Hospice supporter climbs Snowdon in memory of her Uncle Piers

In June, Molly Turner reached the summit of Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales in memory of her Uncle Piers, who was supported by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Piers Turner was 41 when he died in from muscular dystrophy He had lived in Cambridge his whole life and took great pride in his independence. He lived in a flat, managed his own routines and did his best to keep active and engaged in the community.

One of the places that helped him keep that independence going was Arthur Rank Hospice’s Living Well service.

Molly shared:

“He genuinely loved coming to the Living Well sessions, He got so much out of them the crafts, the wellbeing therapies, even just sitting and chatting with other people who understood what he was going through. He found real connection there with the staff and the other patients. It gave him advice and support that helped him keep going.”

Through tailored programmes, people attending Living Well can access physiotherapy, occupational therapy, information and practical advice, while taking part in group activities designed to make every moment count. Piers thrived, making friends and enjoying the social side of things too.

Molly, who is currently working and studying full-time to become a Pediatric Nurse, said taking on the Snowdon challenge was about taking time out to honour her uncle’s memory.

“I’m not exactly a gym enthusiast, but I wanted to push myself. He faced challenges every single day, but he always pushed himself too. I think he’d be really proud I’ve done this for him.”

And when the going got tough on the climb?

“Piers had a big personality and no filter at all! So when it was hard, I could just hear him in my head saying, ‘Keep fu**ing going!’ It made me laugh and kept me moving.”

Sarah Clayton, Community Fundraiser commented:
“Molly’s challenge was a brilliant tribute to her uncle, and we’re so proud of what she’s achieved. Living Well is all about helping people live as well as they can for as long as they can, and Piers is a brilliant example of that. Thanks to Molly’s determination we have additional funds that will go directly towards making sure more people can access this kind of personalised, holistic support.”

You can sponsor Molly at her JustGiving page here. Your support means more people in Cambridgeshire can receive the care and support they need.

You can read more about Piers time with Living Well Services here.

If you’re thinking of taking on your own personal challenge to raise money for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at: challenges@arhc.org.uk