A determined widow from St Albans will take on an adrenalin-fuelled charity obstacle course just five months after losing her husband to cancer and receiving the all clear from the disease herself.
Mum-of-two Caroline Atkins, will complete the challenge for The Hospice of St Francis in its inaugural Mud Pack Challenge as a “personal challenge” following six operations for breast cancer, but also as a thank you to the Hospice, which cared for her late husband Paul.
Paul, a gadget-mad project consultant and well-loved figure in the St Albans scouting world, was just 54 when he died on 1st June – only six weeks after being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer following a 19-year battle with ulcerative colitis.
Caroline said: “It’s been a huge shock.
“I miss him so much but the care and support the Hospice gave Paul, me and our family and friends has been phenomenal. Everyone was so caring – it was like being looked after by family rather than people who don’t even know you.
“Within hours of arriving, Paul felt he was being listened to and taken seriously. The whole experience made all the difference to his final two weeks.”
Caroline, who lives in Harpdenden road, hopes that by doing the Mud Pack Challenge, she and her fellow team member, 17-year-old son James, can help make a difference for other families facing loss.
The 49-year-old added: “But I’m also determined to do something which will be a huge challenge for me, something people will want to sponsor me for.
“I’m not the fittest of people. I walk the dog and have started cycling but I want to change all that and I’m hoping the Mud Pack Challenge will set me on my way.”
Caroline, a Guide Leader with the 2nd St Albans Guides, and James, will be joining 500 other Mud packers on October 19 as they crawl, scramble and slide their way through the muddy five-mile course at Champneys Spa in Tring.
The event will help the Hospice raise the £4.7m it needs every year to provide its free care for people living with life-shortening illnesses across Hertfordshire.
To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/caroline-atkins140
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