Thirteen year old Eleanor takes on 90km challenge in support of Great-Nanna

This September, Eleanor aged 13, has decided to put her perseverance to the test. With her dog, Willow she has signed up to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s ‘Lead On’ dog walking challenge.

Throughout the month, Eleanor and Willow are aiming to walk 90km, to raise money and awareness for the Charity, who have been supporting Eleanor’s Great-Nanna Betty.

Betty, aged 98, was living alone until she went into hospital during the summer, after health issues became apparent following a fall. She was later moved to the Inpatient Unit at the Hospice but, as her symptoms improved, she was able to move into a nursing home.

Eleanor’s Mum, Alison Stewart explained that the family had not anticipated this positive outcome:

 “We never imagined this was possible! It was thought she had very limited time left. However, by some miracle (which I think was the care and love she felt in the Hospice), she was discharged to the nursing home.

We were so grateful to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity for the amazing care and attention they gave my Nanna. It was such a change from being in hospital and everybody there treated her with such respect and kindness. They were also welcoming to us every time we visited, and even allowed Willow in. It is a special place.”

Eleanor shared her reasons for signing up for ‘Lead On’:

“It is a good thing to do as Nanna was in Arthur Rank Hospice and it was a nice place and it is good to raise money so that more people can enjoy it. We saw ‘Lead On’ advertised there while we were visiting and I thought it would be a good way to get me and Willow out of the house.”

“The challenge motivates me because I am competitive and like to finish things. Also, the fact that I can raise money and have it go to a good cause.”

She continued:

“The Challenge is going well so far, except Willow is sometimes stubborn and tries to determine the route! She also gets tired quickly, however she (like me) enjoys the walk, especially when I can walk with friends. In theory, it’s easy but it’s actually mentally challenging as it coincides with the start of term!”

Eleanor talked about her Great-Nanna Betty:

“She likes chocolate and naming things, like the teddy I took in for her at the Hospice. She called it ‘Mr Choccy!’ She also loves Willow but would maybe rather a less jumpy dog! She is a great Nanna as she cooked the best pasta bakes and sausage casserole, and she always gives me lots of dessert, even if its lunchtime. She also has an obsession with ‘time out wafers!”

Alison, added:

“(Betty) has always been a real inspiration to me, as she is such a strong independent woman, who really values time with family, we have had some very special moments together both when I was a child, but also all the way through adulthood. She has been a constant source of advice and is always ready for a good chat over a cup of tea, and the all essential biscuit or cake!

She is a great-nanna to three; two grown up boys and then Eleanor- she has been a big part of Eleanor’s life too and they are very close. Eleanor enjoyed visiting nanna in ARHC as it was such a nice environment.”

Alison explains how Eleanor and Willow have embraced Lead On:

“This is a brilliant challenge, as it encourages Eleanor to take some independence and responsibility, and so far she has stepped up brilliantly. It was lovely on Tuesday when she walked with her best friend to the next village to get a milkshake. I am so impressed that she got straight out the door on the first day of term too. I know how determined she is, so I am sure she will keep it going too.”

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If you have been inspired to support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and would like support, please email Vic at cf@arhc.org.uk or call 01223 675888.