Hospice supporter taking on trek of a lifetime in honour of late husband

A dedicated supporter of a Wrexham hospice is preparing to take on the trek of a lifetime to honour her late husband and “keep their love of travel alive”.

Beverley James will embark on the incredible journey to India in 2025 in memory of husband, Gareth Jones.

A former officer with Cheshire Police, Gareth sadly passed away in 2023 after a long battle with bowel cancer.

Following his passing, Gareth’s family honoured his memory by sponsoring a patient room at Wrexham’s Nightingale House, naming it ‘Jasmine’.

Beverley said she found strength in the care provided by the hospice during Gareth’s battle with cancer and is now determined to give back to the community that supported her family through their most challenging times.

She is preparing to take on Nightingale House Hospice’s 2025 India, a journey that Beverley and Gareth had longed dream of but were never able to fulfil together.

“Gareth and I loved to travel and explore new places, and we were always quite adventurous, looking for the next fun and interesting place to visit. In his memory, I will keep our love of travel alive,” explained Beverley.

“It was something he told me I must do before he died, and that when travelling, he’ll always be with me.

“Unfortunately, we never got the opportunity to visit India together.

“After Gareth passed away, I decided that India would be my first big adventure on my own. At the time, I didn’t know that Nightingale House was organising a similar trek for 2025.

“Only months before, I had picked up travel brochures and was planning a solo trek. It feels like fate that Nightingale House would later announce the very same destination. It was meant to be.”

Beverley James and her dog, Betty

Beverley added that she is committed to turning her grief into a force for good, hoping to raise funds for the hospice that provided so much comfort during Gareth’s illness.

She continued: “Nightingale House supported Gareth and me through our three-year journey with cancer.

“They gave us the strength to continue living and enjoying life, even with a terminal diagnosis.

“Now, I want to give back. Gareth was such a kind and generous person who loved life and helping others. I want to honour his memory by making a positive impact.”

In preparation for her trek, Beverley is spending her days walking through the beautiful North Wales countryside with her black Labrador, Betty, a dog Gareth wanted to get before his passing.

“Gareth knew Betty would keep me on my toes, getting me out for long walks and up mountains. She’s my best friend and my training partner,” she said.

Now Beverley is encouraging others to join the trek and support Nightingale House in its mission: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to travel safely with others, all while raising much-needed funds for a cause that’s close to my heart.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime dream come true, and I know Gareth will be with me every step of the way.”

Chloe Deacon, Supporter Engagement Fundraiser at Nightingale House, said: “Beverley’s words highlight the profound impact a hospice like Nightingale House can have on individuals and their families facing life-limiting illnesses.

“The hospice provides not only physical care but also emotional and spiritual support, helping people live well in the face of terminal illnesses.

“We are so grateful to all of our supporters and everything they do for us.

“The India trek is just one of many ways supporters can get involved to help the hospice continue its vital work.”

For more information on the Dalai Lama Trek contact: [email protected]