Emilie Maughan has worked as a Children’s Nurse for over 15 years, caring for children with complex and life-threatening conditions. During Children’s Hospice Week, she joined children’s hospice nurse and advocate, Francesca Lennon, and their friend, Zoe Rodger, to climb the tallest mountain in each of the four UK countries.
“Climbing the Four Peaks was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My knees ached, I missed my own children deeply, and there were moments when I felt physically and mentally exhausted as we battled against adverse weather conditions."
Children’s nurse Emilie Maughan
“But the determination we shared as three women, the generosity of our supporters, visiting children’s hospices along the way, and carrying the names of children we were remembering to each summit gave me the strength to keep going.
“I felt incredibly proud to represent Together for Short Lives and the families they support.”
This challenge, aptly named Steps of Love, was very personal for Emilie. Her climb was dedicated to her friends’ little boy, Milo, who sadly died from Wilms’ tumour in November 2024 at just two years old.
“Milo was deeply loved and is missed hugely every day, and I wanted to be part of something that honours children like him and helps raise awareness and support for other families of children living with serious illness.”
As the team tackled the Four Peaks, they brought a very special flag along with them. This flag bears the names of children that were cared for or supported by children’s hospices and children that have died.
Francesca explained: “One of the most important things I’ve learned is the importance of remembering children that have died.” Francesca explained.
“Since I started fundraising for children’s hospices, my best friend’s son, Henry, died and we started Henry’s Register. This is something I carry with me in each children’s hospice challenge. I’m always thinking about how these children can be remembered.
"For their families, they’re always going to be a part of their lives, so I want to support them in their remembrance.”
Children's nurse Francesca Lennon
Steps of Love was a testament to the power of love, connection and remembrance. In the months leading up to the challenge these women mobilised a community of parents. They came together to design their logo, share their stories, commit to their own challenges, and to join them as they scaled the Four Peaks.
Zoe dedicated her climb to the incredible parents supported by children’s hospices, and to the love, strength and resilience they show every single day.
Emilie explained that Steps of Love was about using her voice, and her experience to ‘help raise awareness of the incredible work children’s hospices and palliative care teams do’.
“Children's hospices are a lifeline for so many families of children living with serious illness."
Children’s nurse Emilie Maughan
“They offer respite, symptom management, emotional support, play, memory making, sibling support and practical help for families who are often carrying an enormous emotional and physical load.
“They create moments of joy, normality and support during incredibly difficult circumstances, all in a wonderfully family friendly and uplifting environment.”
Their challenge is complete, but their advocacy and fundraising continue. You can still support the team and the 53 children’s hospices across the UK by donating to their JustGiving page: Francesca Lennon is fundraising for Together for Short Lives
By donating you’ll be helping Together for Short Lives to keep these vital services running for families today, tomorrow, and in the future.