Tom's golden mile challenge first took place in 2008, in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice. It was such a huge success and so enjoyable we decided to make it an annual event.

My son Thomas was one of the first children to use the children's hospice. Thomas was born with a serious heart defect ,was severely brain damaged and required 24-hour care.

The moment I became involved in the plans to build the much-needed local hospice I knew that one day I would need their love, care and expertise to support us when the inevitable day came that Tom's life came to an end. I had spoken for many years of how valuable this incredible resource was but until I needed it in February 2017 words cannot describe how much it meant to us as a family.

Thomas died peacefully in my arms, wrapped in his favourite blanket holding his beloved Barney toy right where we wanted him to be: in Bluebell Wood.

In his short life he had 4 respiratory arrests, serious choking episodes and had regular epileptic fits. Our other son Sam had a stroke and has cerebral palsy and also requires constant care. For our family and the many families throughout Derbyshire and South Yorkshire who care for a sick child the support from a children’s hospice is so important.

Throughout the country there are 20,000 children who require the services of a children’s hospice, but only enough hospices to care for 5,000. This means that three out of every four children have to manage the unimaginable.  

Tom's Golden Miles Walk is Tom's legacy which will hopefully continue to raise funds for this wonderful place for years to come.

The walk is 35 miles and passes through 20 Derbyshire villages, in what is some of the countries most picturesque countryside.

The route has been officially way marked by the Peak District National Park and it is a great 'Tool for Fundraising' for any charity to do as a charity challenge. The book, The Golden Miles, contains six separate circular walks between 5 to 10 miles that pass through the 20 villages.