Annabel's story

Annabel Robson is taking on her ‘Great Big Yorkshire Hike’ series to raise funds for St Leonard’s in memory of her sister, Diane.

Alongside joining us for our Wolds Walk challenge in May, Annabel has also ticked off the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Edale Skyline already this year. For her next challenge, she’ll be walking from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey, before finishing with the White Rose Walk in August. In total, Annabel (and her pooch, Bruce) will be covering 119 miles across all five hikes!

“I’ve been into hiking for a while, although not usually long distances and always in a big group,” Annabel says. “I wanted to take on these hikes to not only challenge myself, but also support St Leonard’s after my sister was cared for in 2020.

“After a short time in hospital, Diane arrived at St Leonard’s, where we thought she would spend the final days of her life. However, with the team’s expertise, kindness and care, she was discharged after 10 days with full management of her symptoms.

“The Hospice really changed everything for us. Diane was in much less pain in the two months that followed, and she was able to die at home, which is where she wanted to be.

“I feel so touched by and connected to the Hospice, and it’s really important to me to raise much-needed funds, so that other families can experience the care and support that we did.”