Rowcroft Hospice Healthcare Assistant Embarks on 256-Mile Ultramarathon Across Wales
In an extraordinary display of dedication, a healthcare assistant from Rowcroft Hospice is pushing the boundaries of "going the extra mile" by running a staggering 256 miles across Wales this April. Heidi Treleaven, aged 51 and based in the hospice's Inpatient Unit, will commence her epic challenge on Tuesday, April 14, tackling six consecutive ultramarathons over six days. Her journey will span from Holyhead to Barry Island, covering punishing distances that test both physical and mental endurance.
A Personal Mission Inspired by Family Care
For Heidi, this ultramarathon is far more than a test of stamina; it is a deeply personal mission fueled by the compassionate care her family received from Rowcroft Hospice. In 2023, her father, Mike Steer, and brother-in-law, Timothy Chant, were both supported by the hospice before passing away just 16 days apart. Heidi reflects on this difficult period, stating, "It was a horrendous time. But knowing the hospice team was there for us made all the difference. They helped me and my mum care for my dad at home in the way he wanted, and it meant everything to know they were there supporting us." More recently, her father-in-law also benefited from Rowcroft's Hospice at Home Team.
Working as a healthcare assistant at the hospice, Heidi witnesses daily the profound impact of tailored, compassionate care. She emphasizes, "At Rowcroft, we go above and beyond for every patient and family. It's the little things – the time we spend, the care we tailor to each individual – that really matter. We work so hard to make the difficult times the best they can possibly be."
The Challenge: Six Days of Grueling Ultramarathons
While hospice staff are renowned for their dedication, Heidi is taking this literally with her ultramarathon. The six-day event will involve distances of up to 50 miles per day, traversing mountainous terrain and requiring self-navigation. Starting with a 37.5-mile run on the first day, she will face over 50-mile stretches and back-to-back mountain stages, culminating in final days on exhausted legs. Heidi admits, "If I'm going to do something, I want to make it count!"
Balancing 12.5-hour shifts, night work, and a busy family life, Heidi has trained tirelessly along the South Devon coast and on long-distance routes from Exeter to Torquay. Despite not considering herself a super experienced runner, she remains determined, saying, "I'll just give it my best. That's all I can do." Her biggest fear is not finishing, having previously withdrawn from a long-distance challenge due to injury, but she is committed to persevering step by step.
Fundraising for a Vital Cause
Heidi aims to raise £1,000 for Rowcroft Hospice, supporting its teams in providing specialist end-of-life care and holistic support to patients and families across South Devon. She expresses pride in her colleagues, noting, "I am so proud to work alongside the hospice's amazing team – such special, caring people who go that extra mile to ensure patients and families are well cared for and supported holistically. And I really want to raise some funds to help the team continue their crucial work."
She encourages others to take on their own challenges, adding, "If you want to take on a challenge, I'd say 'just go for it!' And if you can raise money for a cause you're passionate about, then so much the better!"
Supporters can contribute to Heidi's ambitious effort through her JustGiving page, with every pound aiding Rowcroft in delivering expert care to local communities. Additionally, individuals inspired by her story can explore Rowcroft Hospice's website to learn more about getting involved in similar challenges.
