Himalayan trek to raise funds for Naomi and Jack's

They will embark on a Himalayan trek this October to raise funds for the children's and young adults' hospice, which serves hundreds of families. The four-day trek will take them through mountainous terrain in the Indian Himalayas, reaching altitudes of up to 2,875 metres and involving six to eight hours of walking each day. Sophie, Charlotte, Derek and Nicky overlooking Winchester during a training walk as they prepare for the Indian Himalayan Trek in support of Naomi and Jack's. (Image: Naomi and Jack's) Derek, whose son Joshua was cared for by the hospice until he died just before his fifth birthday, is one of those taking part. He said: "Joshua was cared for at Naomi House until his passing just before his fifth birthday. "There were also sibling days for our daughter Hollie, where she could spend time with families in similar situations. "I hadn't fundraised for a few years and was looking at what events were coming up when I saw the Himalayan Trek. "It's something I'd never considered doing before, but the support I've had since signing up has been incredible. "Everyone has rallied round, donating and asking how my training is going." Others taking part include Sophie, an advanced nurse practitioner at Naomi and Jack's, and Nicky, the former hospice chaplain. Sophie said: "Working at the hospice means I see first-hand what our services mean to children, young adults and their families. "I wanted to do something that was genuinely challenging for me and that would hopefully raise both money and awareness for the hospice." Nicky, who worked at the hospice for almost five years, said she felt immediately drawn to the trek after reading an email from the fundraising team. She said: "Through my role at the hospice, I've met the most wonderful and inspiring children, young adults and families. "It's every one of these awesome people who are motivating me to embrace the challenge and aim high with my fundraising target." Charlotte Patrick, events team lead and organiser of the challenge, said: "Derek, Sophie and Nicky each have a very different connection to Naomi and Jack's, which makes this challenge so special. "Whether through their work with families or their own personal experiences of the hospices, they understand first-hand the difference that fundraising can make. "We're hugely grateful for their support and are looking forward to taking on the Himalayan Trek together next month." Those wishing to support the trekkers and help raise vital funds for Naomi and Jack's can donate via the event fundraising page: justgiving.com/campaign/nhjptrek2026.