In summer 2026, Julie Barnes embarked on a year of fundraising for Bolton Hospice.

In 2023 Julie's husband, Stuart, was diagnosed with penile cancer.  He underwent several surgeries and was given the ‘all clear’ in March 2024.  Just five months later, a routine scan revealed the cancer was now incurable, and Stuart was given 6-12 months to live.

After rounds of life extending chemotherapy, consistent monitoring and a battle with sepsis, Stuart was admitted to Bolton Hospice in May 2025.  Initially the admission was for pain management, but as his cancer spread and his health deteriorated, Stuart spent the last four weeks of his life in the hospice.

Bolton Hospice became a safe environment, for both Stuart and his family.   For Father’s Day, the hospice arranged medication and support that allowed Stuart and his family to go on one final trip away together to North Wales. 

Stuart’s wife, Julie, explained: “That weekend will always be treasured”. 

“We went to the beach, ate ice cream, watched films, played games, laughed and reminisced. Stuart and I were due to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary in July 2025.  It became clear that he wouldn’t make to that date and, so, the hospice helped us to arrange one last date night.  They decorated with flowers and candles, served us good food and wine - it was a special celebration of the life we shared together.”

Stuart died on 27th June 2025.

Julie has since received bereavement support from the hospice, which she described as “invaluable whilst navigating the first year alone”.

On the first anniversary of his death, Julie embarked on a year of fundraising for Bolton Hospice.

Stuart and Julie’s children, Josh and Joel, were adopted in September 1999 - a date the family have always marked.  This year, Julie, Josh and Joel are retracing their journey - walking and cycling from Ashton Under Lyne where they were born, to Little Lever, where they now call home.  Team Barnes will also be accompanied by cocker spaniel Bracken, Stuart and Julie’s fourth ‘granddog’.

Joel said: “The challenge is about way more than the miles - it’s about remembering where our family’s story began, honouring the memory of my dad and giving something back to a charity that means so much to our family and the wider community”

Julie’s year of fundraising concludes in September 2027, when she joins other hospice supporters to Trek the Great Wall of China.

Joshua explained that: “In the last month of Dad’s life, Bolton Hospice was amazing.  They gave me a space to be with my dad right up until he died and showed us such wonderful acts of kindness while were going through such an awful time.” 

So far, Julie and family have raised £3610 (not including China Trek costs), with additional events and fundraisers planned for over the next few months.

You can donate to the Barnes’ fundraiser here