A nurse and businesswoman is preparing to walk from coast to coast via Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice in memory of a little girl who died aged just three.
Michele Ibbs is raising money to pay for five heart and oxygen monitors which will enable children to spend time away from the hospice, either at home or out on day trips.
Michele, from Westcroft, near Wolverhampton, said: “Sometimes these children can’t be nursed at home because their oxygen levels need to be monitored. The monitors mean they can spend time at home and on day trips.
“As a nurse, I know that end-of-life care done correctly can create precious memories. The monitors give them a little bit of freedom and, with hospice visits limited, the chance to spend time with their family and siblings.”
Michele, 58, who works as a nurse but also runs I’m Your PA, based in Wolverhampton, was inspired to undertake the challenge after hearing of the death of a colleague’s niece, Tiffany.
Tiffany suffered health complications when she was born and died in September. She and her family, from Woodcross, Coseley, were supported by Acorns, which cares for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across the Midlands.
Her uncle Reece Forbes, aged 28, a virtual assistant with I’m Your PA, said: “Acorns did a lot for my niece and their support meant a lot to the family. It’s great that Michele wants to help. Tiffany’s needs were too complex, but to think this might help other children spend time at home is fantastic.”
Michele is being joined on the walk by Doug D’Aubrey, 63, managing director and owner of Executive Training and Consultancy Ltd, in Brierley Hill. He said: “I wanted to help because the children will really benefit and due to lockdown, charities are struggling.”
The monitors cost £1,100 each and Michele hopes to raise £5,500 to pay for five. Acorns Hospice offers care for children across the Midlands.
The walk will take place over eight days, starting on July 10. It will cover the full 84-mile length of Hadrian’s Wall, plus another five miles to reach the coast.
Michele has a Just Giving page, but she is also inviting businesses to sponsor virtual body parts as part of the fundraising drive. She has a left buttock and right leg still available to be sponsored.
More details can be found at the Facebook page facebook.com/ImYourPALtd and donations can be made by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/acornshospice
To sponsor Doug, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/doug-d-aubrey
