“I pointed out a handful of mountains that I’d love to climb as part of a challenge and Mum beamed with happiness when I said I would be raising money for Rocco’s this year. It wasn’t easy for her to smile during the last six months, but this news certainly made her do so.”

This weekend Jamie, his brother Lee and good friends Sebastian and Matt will be heading to Snowdonia to take on the gruelling Wellsh 3000’s Mountain Challenge. This will see them hiking up Snowdon on Friday and sleeping at the summit before rising before the sun to traverse the remaining fourteen mountains with summits above 3000 feet in the Welsh National Park. It should take about 36 hours in total.

Seb, Jamie and Matt with Alice and Andrea who are part of the logistics team for the challenge

“It’s a big challenge but hopefully this will help people to understand how much we want to express our gratitude. Witnessing a parent slowly slip away is very difficult, so we naturally hold on to the positives, and St Rocco’s is certainly one of those!” says Jamie.

Julie started coming to St. Rocco’s last September, shortly before the family discovered that she only had a matter of months to live.

“The attention to detail, attitude, care and support from everyone, whether nurses or volunteers, was very evident from the first time she was there. They were excited that Mum was heading off to celebrate her birthday in Spain and consistently endeavoured to make sure she was as fit as she could be to go and enjoy it.”

From November onwards Julie was supported by St. Rocco’s in various ways, including complementary and physiotherapy sessions, as well as returning to our inpatient unit for expert medical care to help with her symptoms and pain management.

“Rocco’s really was the only other place she was willing to go if not at home, because in her own words, and despite being brave, “Rocco’s is somewhere I feel safe!” A visit to St. Rocco’s always ensured she would return home feeling better both physically and mentally. And that is despite the fact that she was facing an unimaginable reality.”

Julie’s wish was to pass away in the comfort of her own home which is what happened in May of this year. But when she felt unwell and frightened, St. Rocco’s was a constant beacon of hope. Mum was made to feel as comfortable as possible given the circumstances, and away from the comforts of her own home, Rocco’s was the only place this was at all possible.”

Jamie says that the care Julie received is something for which the family will be forever grateful. They are also excited about striving for a collective goal as brothers and friends.

This is the first time they have raised funds for St. Rocco’s but everyone is making a huge effort, whether logistically or as a participant, because they know how important this is to Jamie and Lee as Julie’s sons.

“For our family personally, and now that Mum is no longer with us, I feel that St. Rocco’s has helped restored my faith in humanity. We are constantly being told what is bad about the world and the people in it, yet the staff are a very special bunch and are part of a very special place. We will fundraise wherever we can in the future and continue to speak of St. Rocco’s in the highest of terms."

If you would like to show your support for the challenge, you can do so on the teams Just Giving page, https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chambersbrotherswelsh3000.