A North Northamptonshire family’s experience of hospice care is helping shine a light on the difference local hospice care can make, as Cransley Hospice Trust calls on the community to Go Green this October

The charity is aiming to raise £18,000 during Hospice Care Week (5th–11th October 2026) to help provide compassionate end of life care for local people and their families.

 

At the heart of this year’s campaign is the story of brothers George and Will Groenland, whose mum Louise spent the final five weeks of her life at Cransley Hospice after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2025. For the family, the hospice quickly became a place of comfort and reassurance.

“When they first mentioned it, I didn’t really know what a hospice was, but I couldn’t have expected it to be as good for her as it was,” says George.

Louise was able to have her family visit whenever they wanted, while the family dog, Lenny, was also welcomed into the hospice.

“The doctors had so much time for us. Conversations didn’t feel rushed and they explained everything really well,” says Will.

Louise herself felt an immediate sense of relief when she arrived.

“She kept saying, ‘this is a bit spesh, isn’t it?’ and saying how lucky she was to be there,” George recalls.

“You hear the word hospice and you think the worst. But it’s not the case at all. It was a really bright place, where the carers make everything just a little bit more special.”

Louise sadly died on the morning of her 64th birthday.

George and Will now hope their mum’s story will help others understand what hospice care really means – and why supporting local hospice services matters.

“It would be great if everyone that needs that care that our Mum did, receives it at Cransley Hospice … because every moment matters.”

Join Cransley Hospice Trust for the Go Green Walk!

As part of the week-long Go Green campaign, Cransley Hospice Trust is inviting local people to lace up their walking shoes and join the Go Green Walk on Sunday 11th October.

Starting at 11am, the scenic walk from Stanwick Lakes to Rushden Lakes is open to everyone, with families, children and dogs all welcome. The walk is free to join, with participants simply encouraged to make a donation to Cransley Hospice Trust – and there are some great reasons to register in advance.

Everyone who pre-registers will receive free parking at Stanwick Lakes, while the first 100 people to sign up will also receive a free children’s goody bag for their little ones to enjoy.

Cransley Hospice Trust is encouraging the community to make a day of it – whether walking with family, meeting friends or bringing along four-legged companions – and help raise vital funds for local hospice care.

Those unable to join the walk can still ‘Go Green’ by wearing green, organising a fundraiser, holding a green-themed bake sale or coffee morning, or donating quality unwanted items to a Cransley Hospice Trust charity shop at any point throughout the week long event.

For an ever easier way to show your support, simply make a one off donation to the campaign! Supporters are invited to text GOGREEN (plus their donation amount) to 70460.

The campaign is generously sponsored by Yusen Logistics, helping more of the money raised to directly support local people and their families living with a terminal diagnosis.

To register for the Go Green Walk and find out how you can help Cransley reach its £18,000 target, visit www.cransleyhospicetrust.org.uk.

Go Green for Cransley this October – because every moment matters.