Ten dedicated supporters of Salisbury Hospice Charity have completed a remarkable five-day trek through Croatia, collectively raising an incredible £45,000 to support hospice care. Over the past year, these adventurers rallied their communities, organising raffles, hosting events, and gathering support from friends, family, and neighbours. Their commitment to raising a minimum of £2,500 each helped them surpass their goal, making a lasting impact on funding essential hospice services.
The five-day, 31-hour trek was no small feat. Each day brought new challenges and breath-taking scenery—from rugged mountain trails to rolling farmlands and sweeping vistas capturing the beauty of Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. Day two was especially memorable: after an early morning drive, the team arrived in Oprtalj, a picturesque town and the starting point of the Istrian Mountain Trail.
From there, the group trekked for eleven hours, navigating wooded paths and winding through quaint villages seemingly untouched by time. The highlight of the day came with a climb to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the River Mirna, where trekkers were rewarded with views stretching all the way to Mount Učka. On the final day, trekkers ascended Mount Učka (4,580 ft), surpassing the height of Ben Nevis! In total, they climbed 7,471 feet and covered 68 kilometres.
The trek tested not only the team’s endurance but also their camaraderie, knowing that every step was making a difference. Alongside the physical demands and stunning views, the journey was filled with laughter, shared stories, and a deep sense of purpose, made even more meaningful by the support of loved ones and well-wishers cheering them on.
Thanks to the unwavering determination of this marvellous group, the £45,000 they raised will go directly towards Salisbury Hospice’s vital services, offering compassionate care to patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses—so they may live well and die with dignity in a place of their choosing. Services offered by the Hospice include nursing and medical care, emotional and practical support, welfare advice, occupational and physiotherapy, complementary therapies, spiritual care, creative activities, and bereavement support. These services are provided free of charge to patients and families, either at the Hospice, in the community, or in their own homes.
Yesterday evening, the team gathered at Salisbury Hospice for a heartfelt Thank You presentation, where they received certificates commemorating their achievement and shared stories from their journey. Salisbury Hospice Charity extends its deepest gratitude to these remarkable individuals and everyone who supported them. Their achievement will have a lasting impact and inspire future trekkers looking to make a difference, step by step.
Reflecting on the achievement, Neve Crawford, Community Fundraiser of Salisbury Hospice Charity shared, “We are truly in awe of our trekkers—not only for completing this challenging journey but for their remarkable dedication to raising such an incredible amount. The charity team is immensely grateful for their hard work, commitment, and determination, and we cannot thank them enough for their support. Whether you faced this trek in memory of a loved one or took on this challenge driven by your own ambition, you should be proud of this tremendous achievement. Thank you, 2024 Croatia Trek Team!”
