Based in Spennymoor, Hollie Holmes is an ex-police officer, owner of multiple businesses and busy mum who, after seeing how her local NHS charity supported the family of one of her closest friends during sudden end-of-life care, has opted to use her honeymoon to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with a target of raising £10,000 for the cause.
Gravely ill
Angela Godfrey had served with Hollie in Cleveland Police. At the age of just 39, she was taken gravely ill and admitted to NHS intensive care, fighting for her life.
Unfortunately, the prognosis wasn’t good and very early on the doctors realised that survival was not meant to be.
Hollie explains: “Angela was removed from life support and placed into a side room to wait for the inevitable with her family surrounding her.
“In this room alongside Angela’s bed and medical support, there was a bed, a sofa bed, two armchairs, three further chairs, a kettle, a fridge, TV, two tables and a side table, small toiletries, a stock of refreshments, blankets and pillows as well as fans and much more.
“The bottom line is, there was enough provision to allow not one or two, but four family members to remain in the room 24/7 for seven days.
“All of this is provided by our local NHS charity, as actual NHS funding only provides items critical to patient care.
“Thanks to the work of the charity, Angela’s family were able to spend the maximum time possible with her during those final days, in relative comfort, which made this tragic time slightly more bearable.”
Honeymoon
Hollie’s honeymoon has been delayed repeatedly due to the pandemic. Following this harrowing experience, she and keen adventurer hubby, Steven decided to use their honeymoon to raise money for a cause so close to their hearts.
The couple are self-funding the trip, and Hollie is also being sponsored by local businessman, David Shepherd (pictured), owner of Securicorp.
David said: “Hollie told me about her intentions and immediately I knew I needed to support her. Having been a close friend for many years, I know how dedicated she is to the things she cares about and I’ve no doubt that she will smash both the climb, and her fundraising target.”
David has provided £2,500 to cover equipment and other costs, and Hollie is seeking donations via her extensive network.
The climb begins on 13th January 2024, and you can donate to the cause by heading to Hollie’s justgiving page.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
