Bella's big 30 challenge

08 July 2021 chsw Fundraising

Eight-year-old Bella from Bedminster in Bristol has begun her biggest fundraising challenge yet – a 30-mile walk to mark the 30th anniversary of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Caroline-and-Bella

Bella, along with mum Caroline began walking part of the Monarch’s Way on July 3. They are planning to hike 5-miles at a time over a period of 3 weeks.

When Bella heard that CHSW was celebrating its 30th anniversary, she wanted to do something big. So, she decided to take a year and try to raise funds through a bunch of activities and challenges


The route they have chosen takes them into Bristol city centre, up to Leigh Woods in North Somerset, through Dundry and as far as Chew Valley.


Bella and Caroline first took part in a mass-participation event for CHSW in 2019, which sparked the beginning of a series of fundraising initiatives they would take on for the local charity.

The-route-in-stages


Caroline said: “Bella and I were chatting at the beginning of the year about how fun it was doing the runs for Children’s Hospice South West. When she heard that CHSW was celebrating its 30th anniversary, she wanted to do something big. So, she decided to take a year and try to raise funds through a bunch of activities and challenges.” 

Thanks to the generosity of the people she knows, Bella has raised over £1,600 in sponsorship so far.


Frances Kenneally, Area Fundraiser at CHSW, said: Bella has set her sights high and we want to do everything we can to help her reach her target. She’s already shown herself to be very determined and is true inspiration to other young people who want to make a real difference to the children and families who need CHSW now and in the future.” 


CHSW provides a safe haven of care, support and friendship for hundreds of children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Bristol and the surrounding area. Its local hospice, Charlton Farm, offers respite, emergency, end-of-life and bereavement care and support for the whole family. It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe support wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes. 


The charity relies heavily on voluntary donations to exist. Every penny raised by Bella will help CHSW continue to care for very poorly children and families.

You can sponsor Bella by clicking on her fundraising page.