‘Mum’s girls’ sign up for the Cambridge to Ely Trek in her memory

Kate Tolworthy and her sister Emily have signed up for the Cambridge to Ely Trek, which will take place on Sunday 22 March 2026.

Kate kindly shared her reasons for taking part:

“Mum’s warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. She was thoughtful, loving, and had a gift for connecting with people; she could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.

She was a wonderful cook and loved bringing the family together around the table, especially at Christmas. She loved walking in nature, playing golf, and relaxing under the Spanish sun.

But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family; her husband, her daughters and her treasured grandchildren.”

Kate continued:

“In August 2024, Mum was briefly admitted to hospital, where we learned that the breast cancer she had lived with for the past eight years had spread to her brain. With the support of the Arthur Rank Hospice at Home team, our family was able to care for her in her own home during the final six weeks of her life.

We were familiar with the Arthur Rank Hospice, as a colleague’s mother had received care there, but we hadn’t realised they also had a Hospice at Home team. We had assumed that an organisation providing end-of-life care would feel a little more clinical, but our experience was far more personal, gentle, and human than we could have expected.

The small team who came to help care for Mum every day soon felt like part of our family. They looked after her daily needs with such respect, dignity and compassion. They took the time to talk with her, to laugh with her, and to truly get to know her. It was so clear how much they genuinely cared, not just about her comfort and wellbeing, but about her as a person.

They were there for all of us too, checking in on our stepdad and us, her daughters, asking how we were managing, if we needed extra support, or sometimes just offering a much-needed hug. Their kindness and professionalism eased the burden, giving us the space to focus on spending time with Mum in those precious final weeks together. Mum passed away peacefully at the end of September 2024.”

Kate added:

“Experiencing the kindness and compassion of the Hospice at Home team while they cared for someone so precious to you leaves a lasting impact; you can’t help but feel compelled to give something back. It’s so important to help ensure this wonderful service continues for others who, sadly, may face the same circumstances.

We both took part in the Race for Life on separate occasions following Mum’s diagnosis, raising a collective £925 in sponsorship for Cancer Research. Emily is a primary school teacher and has organised two school Race for Life events raising a whopping £4,000.

More recently, during October 2025, we took on the challenge to walk 100 miles in the month of October, raising a collective £600 in sponsorship so far for Breast Cancer Now.

We’ll be taking part in the Cambridge to Ely Trek together, as our Mum’s girls, hoping to raise another meaningful amount for a Charity that’s so close to our hearts.

The October challenge has really got us stepping up our activity. As we head towards March, we’ll be making time for as many long walks together as possible; both for training and for some much-loved sister time.”

Kate concluded:

“For families like ours, whose loved one wishes to spend their final weeks or days in the comfort of their own home, Hospice at Home care offers a truly compassionate and comforting option.

For anyone who is thinking of signing up – get involved and take on the challenge! No matter how much you raise, it all helps. These are amazing causes — and you never know when their care might touch your life or the life of someone close to you.”

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For more information about Arthur Rank Hospice Charity Events and Challenges visit arhc.org.uk/eventsandchallenges