Children’s hospice nurse, Francesca Lennon, sees first-hand the difference children’s hospices make. Her latest challenge, Steps of Love, is all about raising awareness and vital funds whilst bringing people together during Children’s Hospice Week 2026.
This summer Francesca will lead a team to climb the four highest peaks across the UK, united by personal and professional experience of children’s hospice care, and a belief in the power of connection, advocacy and remembrance.
But this isn’t the first time that Francesca has taken on a fundraising challenge for Together for Short Lives. In Children’s Hospice Week 2022, she completed a mammoth 3200-mile cycle to visit each of the UK’s children’s hospices. Then in 2024, Francesca and her team cycled 54 miles for each day of Children’s Hospice Week – a mile for every children’s hospice in the UK.
We interviewed Francesca to find out where the inspiration for her latest challenge comes from.
Children’s hospices are always striving to do their best for children with serious illness and their families. Climbing the Four Peaks feels like a powerful way to reflect that. The name, ‘Steps of Love’ represents the love at the heart of children’s hospices. We’re walking for children and families, and I want everyone to know that.
Francesca Lennon
You see the impact of this work up close every day. What does choosing to fundraise personally add for you?
Fundraising gives me a bigger platform to advocate for children and families. As a nurse, I do that every day, but fundraising helps raise national awareness.
It’s given me the chance to speak on radio and TV and challenge perceptions of children’s hospices. I want families to see that we’re speaking up for them.
What would you like people to know about Children’s Hospices?
There are still so many misconceptions. For any child living with a serious illness or facing a life-threatening condition, children’s hospices offer love, support and expertise. And I think if you asked any family in this position, if they want extra support, kindness and expertise, that they would say yes. Many families tell us they wish they’d come sooner.
We provide life-long supportive care for children with life threatening conditions. There’s a belief that hospices are only for end-of-life care. But there’s also lots of joy, laughter and support to be found alongside expert care.
I would love, as a society, if when we knew or cared for a child living with a serious illness, we could ask in a positive way: ‘Do you have the support of your local children’s hospice?”
Does stepping into the role of a fundraiser give you a different perspective than your professional role does?
Stepping into the role of a fundraiser has made me realise how much hard work goes into ensuring these services continue to exist. I love working as a children’s hospice nurse, and I see how important the care we provide is. But I think you don’t always think of what’s gone into it to enable you to do that.
Before I worked in a children’s hospice, I assumed they were fully funded by the NHS. I didn’t realise they relied on charitable support.
Fundraising has shown me how vital public support is and why we need to keep raising awareness.
The support I’ve received from professionals and parents across the UK has been incredible. It’s created a real sense of community. We’re all part of something important, supporting children and families together.
What would you say to someone thinking about fundraising?
Start with something that inspires you. Every penny and every conversation can make a difference. Children’s hospices need our support now more than ever.
How can people support you?
This Children’s Hospice Week, we’re inviting people across the UK to follow our journey across the Four Peaks and to give generously to our JustGiving page to support children’s hospices and the vital work they deliver across the UK. Together, we can support children with serious illness and their families, making sure they get the care they need – when and where they need it.
