Last chance to take on toughest ever commando course for North Devon Hospice

Time is running out to sign up for Mission: Unbreakable and raise vital funds to help keep patients being cared for by North Devon Hospice comfortable at home.

Taking place on Sunday, October 15, this year’s Mission: Unbreakable, is set to be the toughest yet, with organisers promising more obstacles than ever before. Starting and ending at North Molton Sports Club, participants tackling the 10km course will be plunging into rivers, leaping over flames, and scaling the highest heights to ensure those facing their toughest times can receive care in the comfort of home at a time when they need it most.

Rosie Williams is one of those taking part in Mission: Unbreakable and will be raising money in memory of her best friend Gemma, who sadly passed away from cancer in 2018.

“Gemma and I had been friends since childhood, so when she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour at 21, it was a real shock,” said Rosie. “When her cancer grew and her health deteriorated, she decided she wanted to be at home for her final chapter surrounded by her family and friends. Hospice care made this possible.”

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.

Rosie says that for Gemma, knowing that hospice care was available for her in her own home made a real difference.

“Something that really helped Gemma was knowing that someone was coming to help,” said Rosie. “Having this care at home gave her some control in a situation where she had very little control. This meant that in the end, she wasn’t scared and was made as comfortable as possible, which was what we all wanted. I’ll be thinking of her every step of the way at Mission: Unbreakable and know she would be smiling at the thought of me taking part.”

The funds raised at this year’s Mission: Unbreakable will directly fund the vital care that North Devon Hospice provides to people at home. To ensure more people like Gemma can spend their final days in the place they love the most, sign up for Mission: Unbreakable at www.missionunbreakable.co.uk. Registrations close at midnight on Sunday, October 1.