Huge year of fundraising and extraordinary challenges for Overgate Hospice in aid of their Big Build Appeal
The past year has seen supporters of Overgate go above and beyond once again in aid of the hospice.
In 2025, adventurers from across Calderdale stepped forward to take on a series of extraordinary challenges.
Trekking the dramatic 95-mile Jurassic Coast, climbing the 1,345m summit of Ben Nevis, crossing the vast Sahara Desert, and journeying to the world-famous Everest Base Camp at 5,364m.
Supporters pushed themselves further than ever before, and with every mile walked and every step climbed, they championed the Overgate Big Build Appeal, helping fund a brand-new hospice that will support Calderdale families for generations to come.
Together, they have already raised over £58,000 with even more still coming in, all in support of the Overgate Big Build Appeal.
Every pound helps Overgate in funding a brand-new hospice that will support Calderdale families for generations to come.
In July, a determined team of Overgate supporters took on the striking Jurassic Coast, celebrated as England’s only natural World Heritage Site.
Across two challenging days, they tackled steep coastal paths, iconic cliff formations, and panoramic sea views. Every mile was walked in honour of Overgate Hospice and the care it provides.
But the journey began long before the first step on the coastline. In the months leading up to the trek, participants devoted themselves to creative fundraising like baking sweet treats, hosting raffles, organising community events, and rallying support from local businesses.
Their hard work paid off as together they raised an incredible £5,321, helping shape the future of Overgate’s new hospice and ensuring compassionate care will continue for countless families in the years ahead.
In September, a dedicated group of 10 supporters, including members of the Overgate team set out to conquer Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak standing at 1,345 metres.
The mountain challenged them with steep ascents, unpredictable weather, and relentless terrain, yet the group pushed onward together, reaching the summit with determination and shared purpose.
But their achievement stretched far beyond the climb itself. In the months beforehand, the team built a strong support network, taking part in training walks, preparing physically and mentally, and encouraging one another every step of the way.
With expert preparation and leadership from Global Adventure Challenges, they approached Ben Nevis ready, confident, and united.
Alongside their training, the group threw themselves into fundraising, with their combined efforts raising an impressive £4,111, a contribution that will strengthen hospice care locally and move Overgate’s vision for a brand-new hospice one step closer to reality.
In November, Overgate waved off a courageous team of Overgate supporters as they set off on an extraordinary expedition to Everest Base Camp, a challenge that few ever attempt.
Across several demanding days, they trekked through remote mountain villages, crossed suspension bridges draped with prayer flags, and navigated rugged trails that climbed steadily into the thin, high-altitude air.
Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas — including the legendary Mount Everest itself — the group pushed through fatigue, altitude, and unpredictable weather to reach one of the most iconic destinations on earth.
Together, they raised an outstanding £14,182, a contribution that directly supports the Big Build Appeal.
Rebecca Ryan, Head of Communications, Marketing, and Fundraising at Overgate Hospice, reflected: “The determination and courage of our Everest Base Camp trekkers is truly inspiring.
"Their achievement goes far beyond reaching one of the world’s most iconic peaks, it’s about making a lasting difference for Calderdale families.
"We are deeply grateful to every trekker and supporter whose efforts are helping secure the future of hospice care in our community.”
November proved to be one of the most unforgettable months of the year for Overgate Hospice, raising an incredible £34,425 so far.
Overgate’s Sahara team confronted scorching heat, shifting sand dunes, and the vast, open expanse of the desert, pushing themselves far beyond their limits and discovering just how much they were capable of over four days.
Yet the desert offered extraordinary rewards. The team was treated to breathtaking sunsets, silent, star-filled nights, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else on earth.
They also experienced the warmth of desert hospitality, rich cultural traditions, and moments of quiet reflection that transformed the trek into a profoundly life-changing journey.
Reflecting his own experience, James Gibson, Hospice Heroes fundraiser at Overgate Hospice, shared: “It was tougher than anything I could have imagined with the heat, endless dunes, every step pushing me to my limits.
"But sleeping under the stars and reaching the top of the Chigaga Dunes to watch the sunrise was surreal. It made every challenge worth it.
"Knowing that each step we took was helping Overgate support families in Calderdale turned it into an adventure I’ll never forget.”
If you’re feeling inspired, you can join Team Overgate on their Inca Trek, which takes place in October 2026.
For more information, visit www.overgatehospice.org.uk, call 01422 379151 or email [email protected].