Published on: Thursday 07 May 2026 at 10:29
St Clare Hospice volunteer Rose Morris successfully completed an inspirational multi-challenge this April, showing determination and stamina to raise essential funds for local hospice care.
Rose, 72, paddleboarded four miles from Burnt Mill Lock to Harlow Mill Lock, and, not stopping there, went on to the Outdoor Pursuits Centre to tackle an indoor climbing challenge before rounding off the day with an abseil.
Explaining her motivation, Rose, who lives in Harlow, said: “After being diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2023, the support I received from my colleagues and fellow volunteers at St Clare’s as well as the Outdoor Pursuits Centre Harlow made a huge difference to my recovery. Giving back to St Clare, with the support of the centre, feels like bringing my journey full circle.”
Reflecting on the physical demands of the day and how she pushed through, Rose added: “Completing a 4.2‑mile paddle before taking on a climb and abseil, especially after not being on a paddleboard for six months was always going to be tough, but knowing I was doing it for St Clare kept me focused and motivated.
“My Army background helped too; it taught me to take things one step at a time and see the task through. Once I committed to it, there was no question of not finishing.
“What truly carried me through the day was the incredible support. Seeing people cheering from the riverbank and knowing so many had donated – from ex‑Army friends to hospice and NHS colleagues, my Pilates classmates, and so many other wonderful people – meant more than I can say.”
St Clare’s challenge events fundraiser Sarah Piercy praised Rose’s efforts, saying: “Rose is a real inspiration. Through her challenge, she has raised more than £1,600 for the Hospice – this amount could help pay for a specialist recliner chair for a patient’s bedroom, enabling our patients to sit in comfort and remain as independent and mobile as possible, out of bed. We’d all like to say a huge thank you to Rose for her amazing efforts.”
If you’re interested in taking on a challenge to support the Hospice, please get in touch with Sarah Piercy by emailing sarah.piercy@stclarehospice.org.uk or calling 01279 773732.