Hospice staff jet off on Grand Canyon trek
A group of staff and volunteers from Wolverhampton's Compton Hospice will take part in an epic five-day fundraising trek of the Grand Canyon next week.
A nine-strong team will fly out to Phoenix, Arizona this Wednesday where they will be camping in the canyon, hiking in 40C heat, wading through creeks and waterfalls and climbing rocks of different shapes and sizes all in aid of the hospice- which supports patients facing a life-limiting illnesses across the region.
So far the group has collectively raised more than £15,000 but members hope to double their efforts and reach a target of at least £30,000.
PR and marketing officer at the charity, Grace Ruston, is part of the team and says she's never done anything like it before.
She said: "Its going to absolutely amazing but extremely difficult. We've been told that it's going to be quite tough in terms of walking and going through the creeks and waterfalls but we all can't wait.
"The main reason we're taking part in the challenge is because we all fancied a bit of an adventure, wanted to make some memories and raise money for the hospice more importantly.
"We've all got different reasons that we're taking part. I work here so I see the great work that the hospice does on a day-to-day basis, while some of the volunteers may have known someone that has been supported by the hospice.
"The patients go through so much everyday so the least we can do is challenge and put ourselves out of our comfort zone and take it to that next level."
Compton Hospice holds and annual overseas challenge each year.
In the past groups have climbed Machu Picchu in Peru and walked the Great Wall of China.
In preparation for the challenge, Wolverhampton and Swimming Fitness Centre has offered the group its gym facilities for their training.
Grace added: "We've all been meeting up as a group and have exchanged tips and ideas and we're confident it'll be a great trip.
"I'm pretty sure there's going to be lots of tears and aching limbs but I'm sure knowing that we're helping the hospice will keep us going."
To donate to the cause go to Grace's fundraiser page at www.just giving.com/grace-ruston
