Hospice Supporter signs up for Trek in memory of his ‘Chum’

Derek Gammage’s friend, Derek Isaacs, was cared for at the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice in 2023.

He was blown away by the support given to his ‘chum’ and his family and has found a way to say thank you. He has signed up to walk the Cambridge to Ely Trek in March 2026 and kindly shared more about his reasons for doing so:

“I grew up with Derek so I had known him all my life. In his early 60’s he was beyond loyal and a delight. Never the centre of attention but always in the room – I’d say best described by another mate as “the guy who was in every photograph but never in the centre”.

He had a sharp wit and was uber bright – polishing off crosswords in double quick time, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of prog rock!

Derek sadly passed away in early August 2023 after being diagnosed just nine months before. In times of such unmitigated darkness one absolutely must reach out for support – it’s a lonely journey at the best of times but having an experienced ear cannot be underestimated.”

Derek G continued by sharing his knowledge of hospice care:

“Derek was a family man and had two daughters. I was not his carer but lived the journey with various family members. I’d had some experience with a Hospice a few years previously with my Mum, so knew, to some extent, the amazing work you guys do. Like most folks I’d suggest we enter a period, post diagnosis, of fear……. fear of the journey and fear of the ‘what if’s’.

The Hospice support born of experience is totally invaluable and our ability, to have a sounding board for what may seem mundane, is invaluable. It is enough to say that the support, offered by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, made what was, all said and done, a ghastly experience that much better.”

Derek G shared his motivation for keeping active:

“I try and carry out one self-sponsored challenge a month and all for those charities I feel a personal connection with. Be it a distance walk, a run (Half Marathon is my limit!) or a distance bike ride. Losing a really close mate in his early 60’s has re-emphasised my wish to stay as fit as is possible. I regularly walk long distances so to an extent I train all year round.

I decided to sign up to the Cambridge to Ely Trek to keep Derek’s memory alive and spend time thinking about him. I’m also aware of how tight funding can be for the Charity and how vital it is others can ‘enjoy’ the support we received.

I’ve a few mates joining and my hope is Derek’s two adult daughters will be in the country to join us too.”

Derek G concluded by adding:

“The shock of losing someone this close has had a sizeable impact on a sizeable group of mates. We all cope with grief differently, some better than others, but without Hospice support the journey would have been so much worse. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

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If you would like to sign up for the Cambridge to Ely Trek please visit arhc.org.uk/cambridgetoely