Group put heart and 'sole' into fundraising for hospice
A GROUP of fitness fans turned fundraisers are walking the walk to show support for an “incredible” children's hospice.
The Sole Sisters from South Yorkshire have chosen Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice as their charity of the year and are setting their sights on raising up to £14,000 to support one of the hospice’s most important annual events.
Formed in 2024, Sole Sisters began as a walking group made up of friends in their 50s and 60s who wanted to improve their fitness while enjoying the outdoors together who went on to take on the challenging Edale Skyline walk in Derbyshire.
This year they have planned an exciting programme of events to raise money for Bluebell Wood’s 2027 Remembering Day - a special event in September that offers families the chance to come together to remember and celebrate the lives of their children.
Kelsey Barrie, chair of the group, said: “We decided to take on the Edale Skyline challenge and when we realised just how tough it was going to be, we thought we might as well raise some money for charity while we were doing it.
“That’s when our walking group turned into a fundraising group and we haven’t looked back!”
The Sole Sisters have since raised tens of thousands of pounds for a range of local charities and community groups, combining organised walks with social events.
Fundraising for the North Anston hospice begins with a Ladies Spring Lunch at The Maynard in Grindleford, followed by two Ladies Christmas Lunches in November at Sheffield United Football Club, where more than 450 women are expected to attend across the two days.
Added Kelsey: “Although there wasn’t one specific reason behind our decision this year, we were all very aware of the incredible work Bluebell Wood does.
“We’ve fundraised for Sheffield Children’s Hospital in the past, so supporting a children’s hospice felt like a natural next step.”
Hannah Goulding, regional fundraiser for Bluebell Wood, said: “We are in awe of what the Sole Sister have achieved over the last few years with their fundraising endeavours.
“We are really excited about the events they have planned and are so thankful to be working with them to make our 2027 Remembering Day extra special.”