International Day of Charity: Healthcare Assistant Amy’s extraordinary expedition

"I’ve done fundraising for years, and I absolutely love it. About five years ago I did a skydive for Cancer Research, and I’ve also done loads of events like quizzes, fun days, open days. It can be stressful, but the end result – that feeling you get when you really hit that milestone and you know you’re making a difference – I don’t think I’ll ever stop.

"Everest has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I saw the post on Facebook and within five minutes I had signed up. I’ve never done any hiking before, I’m a complete novice. The most I walk is with my dog around the local orchard, but I’m looking forward to it! I’m not scared, I’m excited!

"I am super aware of the risks as well. It’s not something an everyday person’s just going to do, there does need to be preparation, so I know I need to put the time in. My lovely Pilates instructor is going to help me with my breathwork, steps, getting on an incline. She’s going to be my main support, but from December onwards I’ll start hiking. Nothing’s going to prepare me for the altitude though, so I’m going to my doctors for that to get some tablets!

"I’ve always been a really adventurous person – I didn’t think twice about jumping out of an aeroplane for charity – and I really enjoy pushing myself. I don’t know anyone else who’s doing it, which is quite scary but fun at the same time! I’m quite social so I think it’ll be really nice to meet other like-minded people, especially on the trek because we’re going to be gone for a long time – sixteen days, as long as there’s no delays! Going to Nepal is what I’m really looking forward to, as well as meeting the local communities. And food!

"I’ve been at Demelza for two years in August; it’s gone so quick. I’m just so passionate about this place. It’s bright, it’s open and I like to describe it as warm! People stereotype hospices but Demelza has absolutely blown my expectations out of the water. We don’t just offer end of life clinical care, we have psychotherapeutic teams, music therapy, art therapy, our hydropool. The whole package of what we can offer is amazing, and the nurses are amazing, they’re so patient and skilled and passionate about what they do.

"In my training I remember my second or third day, we took a young child in the hydrotherapy pool, and it was so magical I wanted to cry. Here was a child who had limited movements, who was in a wheelchair daily, and as soon as that child went into the pool it was just pure relaxation, I felt it where I was holding her. Every time I’m in the hydropool with the children it’s magical. And it brings so much happiness to the families as well. They can come in and use it together, it’s private, it’s got the right facilities, there’s no rush.

"If you’re thinking about fundraising or donating, do it! It’s an absolutely amazing cause. Our ethos, from the beginning to where we are now, hasn’t changed. We’re making such an impact, and we’re reaching more families than we ever have before, not just with nursing care but with our bookings, our soft play, music therapy, our in-reach programmes in hospitals. We’re getting bigger and better and it’s amazing to be around. I truly see firsthand where the money goes and it’s so needed. It helps towards staffing, resources, equipment for the children, tech, and this stuff isn’t cheap. There are so many fundraising events to choose from, and they’re accessible for so many people, you don’t have to go to the extremes of climbing mountains! You can do cake stalls and quiz nights, raffles or little whip-rounds with your colleagues at work, and you’ll get so much support from the fundraising team.

"Please do get involved and help out your local hospice. It’s so worth it. Sign up, donate, and give me any advice you can if you’ve done any treks!"