Inspirational Francesca Lennon enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of three East Anglian children’s hospices as part of her epic cycling tour of the UK. The trailblazing children’s nurse is pedalling to all 54 of the UK’s children’s hospices – a mission that will see her clock up 3,200 miles over 70 days. Her aim is to raise vital awareness and funds for children’s hospices and, as part of her eye-watering journey, she visited Milton, near Cambridge, The Nook, in Framingham Earl, near Norwich, and The Treehouse, in Ipswich, run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). She was greeted by staff and met families and children, all keen to show their support and offer words of encouragement. “Visiting East Anglia was such an incredible experience,” said Francesca, 35. “I’m not too familiar with your part of the world. I’d been to Suffolk before, for the Latitude Festival, but it was my first-ever visit to Norfolk. “I was given such a warm welcome at all three hospices and it was very overwhelming. “It was great to meet staff, family members and children and I thoroughly enjoyed finding out more about the amazing work EACH does. “It was such a privilege and a real joy for me to chat to different people and hear what they do. “Hearing about the positive things that happen in a children’s hospice never fails to blow me away. “It’s a reminder of the great work that goes on every single day. It’s truly incredible and makes me feel very appreciative.” Francesca, who worked as a children’s nurse in the NHS for more than nine years before moving into the children’s hospice sector, is calling her eye-catching challenge ChatUK (Children’s Hospices Across The UK). She got underway at the start of Children’s Hospice Week, on 20th June, at Helen and Douglas House, in Oxford. It is the first time anyone has attempted to cover the distance between the farthest-reaching children’s hospices in the UK, stopping at each one along the way to learn more about staff and the families they support. Her aim is to raise a huge £500,000, which will be shared between each children’s hospice through Together for Short Lives’ National Fundraising Scheme. She also hopes to raise awareness about the vital work children’s hospices do to support families caring for a seriously ill child. “I’m a bit tired but riding high after another fantastic week,” added Francesca. “I had this idea three years ago and it was something I started properly planning during lockdown. “It’s a tough challenge but I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience and passionate about raising funds and awareness. “Having worked for two children’s hospices myself, I know how important their work is. “Seeing first-hand what families experience managing the needs of a sick child alongside family life and the challenges and barriers they face made me determined to help families caring for a seriously ill child.” Francesca visited Milton on 2nd August, The Nook on 3rd August and The Treehouse on 4th August. They represented stops number 35, 36 and 37 on her tour and afterwards she was heading to Essex and into London. Her final port of call will be at Charlton Farm, in Bristol, on 25th August. She is attending a Downing Street reception on Tuesday (9th August), as she has been awarded a prestigious Points of Light award. These recognise outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community. For more information about Francesca’s journey and Chat UK, head here Donations can be made by clicking here and you can follow Francesca’s progress on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @chatuk54. Image credits – EACH
