James’s story

James is a Clinical Paramedic Specialist in our Community Hospice at Home team, but he has also been raising money for Rennie Grove Peace by doing the Lake District Ultra Challenge! He told us about why it’s important to him to support the charity in this way: 

“On 6th June 2026, I’ll be taking on the Lake District Ultra Challenge — walking 50km across some of the toughest and most beautiful terrain in the UK, all while raising money for Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. 

“Working within the clinical team means I see every day the extraordinary impact our services have on patients and families. Taking on this challenge seemed like a fitting way to support the organisation beyond my day-to-day role. 

“As a team, we help patients live the best quality of life possible through outpatient care, rehabilitation, Hospice at Home services and inpatient support — ensuring care is right for them. 

“I see the impact of hospice care up close. I see the comfort it brings into homes. I see the reassurance families feel when they know they are not alone. I see the difference compassionate, specialist care makes when moments matter most. 

“Hospice care isn’t about giving up. It’s about dignity, comfort, and helping people live well, right to the end. 

“Like many hospices, Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care relies heavily on charitable funding to continue delivering this incredible support in our community, so I’m putting myself through 50km of hills, mud and sore legs to help make sure that care can continue. Every step will be worth it.” 

If you’re able to donate — no matter how small — you’re directly supporting patients and families at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. 

If you’d like to support James on his adventure, head to his JustGiving page.

After finishing the challenge, James told us about his experience:

“The challenge was one of the toughest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

“The day started with classic Lake District weather – heavy rain, low cloud and very wet conditions underfoot. At one point, we were wading through knee-deep water where Lake Windermere had overflowed onto the route. It certainly made the 50km feel even longer! But thankfully it dried up as the day went on.

“There were moments when my feet were aching and the finish line felt a long way off, but the atmosphere was incredible. Participants constantly encouraged one another to keep going, and achieve the goal.

“Crossing the finish line after 50km was an amazing feeling. Every hill, blister and very soggy sock and boots was worth it.

“As a Clinical Paramedic Specialist with Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care, I have the privilege of supporting patients and families through some of the hardest days of their lives. Whenever the challenge became difficult, I thought about the people we care for and the difference these funds will make.”