THE CHILDREN of a mother who died from cancer took to the hills to raise essential funds for the hospice that cared for her.

Olivia Salameh, 37, from Hassocks trekked 26.2 miles across the South Downs, raising £10,000 for hospice charity St Barnabas.

Her mother, Michelle, was diagnosed in 2020 with triple negative breast cancer that had spread to lymph nodes under her arm and in her collarbone. Michelle was later told she had leptomeningeal disease, meaning the cancer had spread to the lining of her brain and spine.

She was referred to St Barnabas House hospice, Worthing, and later made the last request that her children give something back to the hospice. Michelle died aged 68, on Thursday, November 4, 2021.

“Mum was understandably reluctant to leave her beloved family home, knowing it was unlikely she would ever return, but she showed unbelievable courage and took the journey to the hospice,” said Olivia.

“We were all nervous about going, but as soon as we arrived so many of our worries and concerns were alleviated. The team were simply incredible.

The Argus: Gary, Paul, Olivia, Warren and Yosef before the walk across the South DownsGary, Paul, Olivia, Warren and Yosef before the walk across the South Downs

““In her last few days, Mum asked us to fundraise for St Barnabas House to say thank you for the care she received, and we would never not do what she told us to.

Heeding Michelle’s request, Olivia, her brothers Warren, 46, Paul, 44, Gary, 41, her husband Yosef, 38, took on the tough St Barnabas House South Downs Trek on Saturday, March 26.

115 fundraisers took part, many of whom did so in memory of a relative or friend, and are on track to raise £49,000.

“You never want someone you love to have to receive the care of a hospice,” said Olivia.

The Argus: Michelle HealMichelle Heal

“But my goodness you don't realise how much you need them until you need them. We want to help as many families as possible to be looked after by St Barnabas House like we were. We can never repay the hospice for what they did for us, but we are going to give it a good go.

“Because of St Barnabas House, we could be a family for her final few weeks, and not her carers. We will be forever grateful for the quality time they enabled us to have with her and the kindness they showed us all.”