Grandfather raises £1,300 for Peterborough’s Thorpe Hall Hospice in mammoth trek across Nepal

Super-fit Wayne Burke from Deeping St James is a regular at Empire Gym in Market Deeping, which made the Peterborough hospice its charity partner last year.

After hearing about the work of the hospice, Wayne was inspired to take on a two-and-a-half week charity trek to Nepal with his son.

He has been reflecting back on his “once in a lifetime trip”, which took place in November 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

It has been confirmed the grandfather-of-five raised a staggering £1,398 for local families needing the expert care of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

Wayne said: “It’s a tragedy that places like this have to be charities. It is an amazing place, full of amazing people. I hope the funds I’ve raised as part of my once in a lifetime trip will help.

“I love going to Empire Gym. I go there three to four times a week and it was how I came to find out about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.

“The gym was absolutely amazing in getting me fit for the trip. It’s a great place to go, and it’s so inclusive. I want to thank them and all their members for their tremendous fitness and fundraising support – the back slapping and micky taking included! You all really helped me get there and I have been blown away by your support.”

Wayne, who has been a walker all his life and did the Three Peaks Challenge seven years ago, said trekking in Nepal was “several steps above.”

“The whole experience was just so humbling. It made me feel so small and so insignificant. It was an absolute journey,” he added.

“The highlight for me was ascending Poon Hill to capture the sunrise. It is around 3,100m high.

“We set off in pitch darkness and it was freezing but it was all worth it when we got to the top. It left me elated and exhausted in equal measure – but to see the sun come up and the sunshine on one side make the mountain peaks turn yellow. It is something which will always stay with me.

“I saw and experienced things I never thought I would. The view of the stars in Nepal is amazing. I spotted my favourite constellation, Orion, and the crescent shaped moon we get here in the UK was like a cereal bowl in Nepal! Just phenomenal.”

Joely Garner, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Wayne for choosing to support our hospice; we have loved hearing all about your incredible trek to Nepal. We are really grateful to you and everyone at Empire Gym for your on-going support, which makes a real difference and helps us to be there when it matters for local families.

“The funds you have raised could help to pay for a hospice nurse for four days, for four bereavement sessions offering advice and support for families, and around 27 hours of our expert care, helping people to live the best life they can.

“If you have been inspired by Wayne’s story and are thinking about taking on a fundraising challenge, we would love for you to get in touch with us. You don’t have to climb the mountain peaks of Nepal – there are lots of virtual ways you can support us a little closer to home! Phone our fundraising team on 01733 225 999 or email [email protected]”