Eighty-nine-year-old supporter will walk a marathon for children’s hospice

Published on: 17/08/2023

South Downs Trek is a charity walk taking place in beautiful countryside this 30 September. There’s still time to sign up for the half marathon or marathon-length routes in aid of local hospice care.

Among those taking on the epic challenge on 30 September is 89-year-old Stuart Morris – a long-term supporter of St Barnabas House and its sister children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House.

Stuart’s interest in the hospice movement started in 2018, after his 56-year-old son Graeme received end-of-life care at his local hospice. “I looked for voluntary work in this field and in 2019 I completed my training as a Community Companion for St Barnabas, visiting patients in their own homes,” Stuart says.

“This work was partially suspended during the lockdown, and during that time Eileen, my wife of 59 years, died at home in July 2020 in the care of the wonderful people from St. Barnabas.”

Stuart is a dedicated fundraiser for both hospices. This year alone, he has abseiled down Arundel Castle as part of Team Morris with his two granddaughters, Hannah and Emily, and walked the 25km Night to Remember route in June. “Between us, and over the last four years or so, we have raised just over £ 10,000, mostly for Chestnut Tree House,” says Stuart.

An enthusiastic member of the St Barnabas House hospice choir, Stuart says he never misses an opportunity to plug the choir and recruit new members. So, perhaps the hills will be alive with the sound of music as he completes the marathon-length walk this September!

Join Stuart at South Downs Trek

Challenge yourself to take on an expedition you won't forget, through some of the most beautiful scenery in southern England, walking historic flint and chalk paths, ancient woodland, farm tracks and hills.

Find out about South Downs Trek