Ditch your comfort zone to keep hospice patients like John comfortable at home

Participants taking on this year’s Mission: Unbreakable for North Devon Hospice will be facing their toughest mission yet to raise vital funds and ensure more patients facing a life-limiting illness like cancer can be cared for by the hospice in their own homes.

Taking place on Sunday, October 15, this iconic commando challenge is not for the fainthearted, with those taking part tackling mud, fire, water, and ice to become an ‘Unbreakable’.

With more obstacles than ever before, this year’s 10k course across North Molton’s marshes and moorland is sure to put participants through their paces. But for patients like John, the funds raised through this flagship hospice event will make all the difference.

John Harley, 53, from Barnstaple, has a rare condition which affects one in 50,000 people. It attacks his organs and airways and has drastically impacted his life as well as his family’s. But thanks to home visits from his hospice nurses Emma and Donna, the journey through his illness has been made that little bit easier.

“When you’re told that you’re facing a terminal illness, it can be a big shock and difficult to comprehend,” said John. “For me, I just wanted to remain at home with my wife for as long as possible, to live my normal life as best I can and make the most of every moment we have together. The hospice has helped us do that.”

North Devon Hospice provides care for local people who are affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. As well as offering support at home, patients can also be admitted to their Bedded Unit when symptoms become more severe, for help with pain management and to make them feel as comfortable as possible when they need it most.

“The house visits are a breath of fresh air and have made me feel safer,” said John. “Emma and Donna are always so bright and bubbly and knowing that they’re there no matter what has really lightened the load.”

Mission: Unbreakable 2023 will be taking place on Sunday, October 15, starting and ending at North Molton Sports Club. To help give more patients like John vital care in the comfort of home when facing a life-limiting illness, sign up for Mission: Unbreakable today at www.missionunbreakable.co.uk