One of our brilliant supporters, Chris Hill, undertook the gruelling South Coast Ultra Challenge 2025 to fundraise for us. Despite never having done any serious walking – or fundraised for charity before – the 39 year old wanted to say thank you for the care we gave his mum, Lynn. Here’s what he had to say about it.

“My mother sadly passed away in October 2024 after a year-long battle with cancer. As her condition worsened, it became clear that she needed end of life care, and this is when St Wilfrid’s came in to care for her at home several times a day.

Not only did they offer exceptional care to make her as comfortable and pain-free as possible, but their compassionate support made an unimaginable situation slightly more bearable for my father and me.

That’s why I decided to take on the South Coast Ultra as a fun personal challenge for myself but also to honour the memory of my mother. I wanted something that would provide a great sense of achievement when I completed it. It wasn’t only a personal journey of remembrance but also an opportunity to give back to St Wilfrid’s.

I loved every minute of my training. It went well apart from a few blisters and muscle aches along the way, but I didn’t want it to feel easy because that wouldn’t be a challenge.

The Ultra included 57km of walking, with 1,250 metres of climbing. It set out from Polegate, across the coastline, over the Seven Sisters and the South Downs before reaching the finish line in Hove.

The first 2km kicked off with a monster hill and I felt good past the first rest stop through to the half-way mark. Blisters hit hard at 30km, but quitting was never an option. I crossed the finish line completely exhausted but very proud.

It was only the next day things started to hurt a bit more, but that’s a small price to pay for what I achieved. It is without a doubt one of the hardest challenges I’ve taken on, but one of the most rewarding.

The South Coast Ultra was a well-run event with a great atmosphere and scenery. I met some lovely people and even took mum’s Paddington Bear along for the journey!

St Wilfrid’s relies on donations from the public, so I’m very pleased to have raised £1,790. It is so satisfying to be able to make a difference in memory of my mum. The hospice’s compassionate support made an unimaginable situation more bearable for my family and me, and I want to ensure that other families can access the same level of care and comfort in future.”

Pictured: Chris and his mum, Lynn.

Inspired to take on your own challenge?