A FORMIDABLE 3,000km trek across New Zealand has been completed by a daughter in memory of dad Chris, from Bishopston.
Phoebe Hastings and best friend Ross Tanner began their epic trek on November 16 2024, tackling the Te Araroa trail, which stretches the entire length of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.
The challenge was undertaken to raise money for St Peter’s Hospice, the charity which cared for Chris, who passed away, aged 63, in July 2023.
They duo originally planned to finish the 1,800-mile challenge by April 6, but Phoebe, 26, and Ross, 25, arrived at the finish line ahead of schedule, celebrating their final steps in early April.
Phoebe said: “St Peter’s Hospice provided such incredible support to my family during one of the most difficult times in our lives.
“Dad was ill for about a year before he died and was supported by the hospice team at home, before being cared for at the in-patient unit in his last few weeks.
“His care at the hospice was incredible. Even though my dad was really sick at that point, the doctors and nurses, especially, really got to know his personality and understood him as a person.
“This just goes to show the kindness and care that the staff show towards all their patients.”
The friends initially set out to raise £1,000 for Bristol’s only adult hospice, but have already raised over £3,000 through their JustGiving page. At the time the Bishopston Voice went to print, the Phoebe and Ross were hoping to hit a new target of £4,000.
Now the pair are encouraging others to take on a bucket list challenge in aid of the hospice.
Ross said: “Phoebe and I met at university in Glasgow and have shared a love of the outdoors ever since. This was one of the hardest but most rewarding things we’ve ever done and knowing it’s for such an important cause kept us going every step of the way.
“Anyone who has a bucket list idea of something they’d like to achieve should go for it … now whether that be a skydive, a bespoke challenge you organise yourself or signing up to one of the hospice’s challenges like the upcoming Cambodia Trek.
“You will make memories to last a lifetime, you’ll test yourself and achieve something really special. Being able to do it for a cause like St Peter’s Hospice is an added bonus.”
St Peter’s Hospice supports patients in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, providing inpatient care as well as community care to those with life-limiting illnesses.
It costs £30,000 to run the hospice every day and the charity relies on money raised through fundraising, its shops and gifts in wills to continue its work.
Anyone feeling inspired by Phoebe and Ross’s adventure can find out more about how to get involved by visiting the Hospice website.
Options include the Trek to Angkor Wat, taking on a marathon or creating your own challenge.