Hospice supporters and one year old pup, walk in memory of Grandad

Lauryn Barrett, her husband Tom and their one-year-old pup, Zack are taking part in ‘Lead On’ for the second year in a row.

For Lauryn, from Wittering, the challenge means more than just getting her steps in. It’s about giving something back to the team who helped her family through one of the hardest moments of their lives:

“My grandad [Alan Stinger] was the biggest male figure in my life. He meant so much to me and my mum. He and my late grandma looked after me from when I was a baby – we were very close. Even at aged 86, there wasn’t a Friday I didn’t enjoy popping over for fish and chips and a cup of tea with him.”

In August 2023, Lauryn’s grandad fell seriously ill. After some time in hospital, he went to stay with Lauryn’s mum at her home in Wimblington. The family knew he didn’t have long and that’s when the Arthur Rank Hospice at Home team stepped in:

“Two lovely ladies from Arthur Rank Hospice came to help us during the day. They were so informative, caring and kind. They helped me, my mum, and my grandad through the hardest few days of our lives.”

Lauryn especially remembers the carer who stayed with Alan on his final evening:

“She spent the evening with him, held his hand and watched TV with him. It meant he wasn’t alone and for that, we’re incredibly grateful.”

Alan died peacefully in the early hours of 13 September 2023. Now, almost two years on, Lauryn is stepping out again for ‘Lead On’. This year, she’ll be joined by her husband Tom, in completing the 90km in September, walking in her grandad’s memory. Lauren continued:

“Doing Lead On this year is incredibly important for me – especially during September. It’s my way of giving back to the people who cared for my grandad and helped us as a family, so they can be there for others. I know he’d be proud of us and our pup Zack.”

If you are able to support Lauryn please visit her sponsorship page: https://arhc.enthuse.com/pf/lauryn-barrett-6794e

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‘Lead On’ is a dog walking challenge where your dog becomes the fundraiser and is for anyone who loves walking with their four-legged friend – open to families, groups, solo walkers, the young and the young at heart. It’s a challenge that fits around you and your dog’s routine, from daily strolls to weekend wanders; big countryside walks to gentle laps of the park.

Whether you’re walking in memory of someone special, in support of a loved one, or simply because you love an adventure, every step you take helps support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care. So take the lead (!) and sign your dog today.