Leeds Fundraiser Scales Snowdon in Tribute to Hospice That Restored Her Father
A 39-year-old fundraiser from Leeds has undertaken her most formidable challenge to date—conquering Mount Snowdon to generate crucial funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. This is the very institution she credits with helping to restore her father's quality of life when his pain became unmanageable.
A Father's Battle with Mesothelioma
Hannah Park's father, Chris, received a diagnosis of mesothelioma last year. As his pain escalated and became impossible to control at home, Sue Ryder Nurses stepped in, supporting the family through weeks of trialing various medications. Ultimately, they proposed a brief stay at the hospice for specialized symptom management—a service Hannah admits the family was unaware hospices provided.
Hannah explained: "When people hear 'hospice,' they often assume it's a place you enter and never leave. For my dad, it was about medical care. They monitored him, experimented with different drugs, and successfully managed his pain. He returned home feeling more like the father we remembered. We had no idea hospices offered such support."
Chris spent four weeks at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice while the dedicated team worked to stabilize his symptoms. Hannah emphasized how the staff created a comforting, 'home from home' atmosphere during this difficult period.
Inspired to Give Back Through a Grueling Challenge
Motivated by the exceptional care her father received, Hannah resolved to undertake a physically and emotionally demanding endeavor to give back to the hospice. She stated: "I've never attempted anything like this before. I wanted a tough challenge, something profoundly meaningful. When I struggle on that mountain, I'll be thinking of my dad and my friend Kelly, whom we recently lost to cancer. That determination will propel me to the summit."
Hannah committed to months of rigorous training, tackling Yorkshire peaks and embarking on long weekend hikes to prepare. Her fundraising efforts have astonishingly surpassed £5,000—a total she never anticipated.
"The support has completely overwhelmed me," Hannah shared. "Everyone who has donated or offered encouragement has left such heartfelt messages about my dad. It truly reflects how much people cherish him. The response has been incredibly moving in the best possible way."
The Summit Achievement and Lasting Impact
Reflecting on her accomplishment, Hannah expressed disbelief and pride. She recounted: "Snowdon is complete, and I still can't quite believe we did it. This was a monumental challenge for me. I only began walking last spring, and nothing I'd done previously compared. The views were breathtaking, but the climb was arduous. There were moments I doubted my physical ability, but mentally, I remained fiercely determined. Having my companion Rox by my side kept me going. When we finally glimpsed the summit high in the sky, we pushed each other and made it. I am immensely proud of us both. For some, Snowdon might be a leisurely weekend walk, but for us, it was an enormous feat, and we achieved it."
Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice delivers expert palliative care, symptom management, and emotional support to individuals living with life-limiting conditions, alongside their families. The hospice's services, as highlighted by Hannah's story, often include short-term stays for medical stabilization, challenging common misconceptions about hospice care.
