In autumn 2025, we will have to reluctantly let her go - albeit temporarily - as she takes on the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek in India, raising vital funds for a charity close to her heart, Children’s Hospice South West.

This is a challenge that Claire may not have ever envisioned herself taking on a decade ago. It was in lockdown when she first decided to make some changes to her lifestyle, cutting out alcohol, moving her body more and taking her gluten and dairy allergies more seriously to avoid flare-ups. Naturally, for many of us, getting outside was a way of coping with the restrictions of the pandemic, and Claire was no stranger to this. With the beautiful coastline of Bude and Widemouth Bay on her doorstep, she would pull on her trusty walking boots, grab Casper the dog, and head out into the great outdoors for a stomp along the rugged coastal paths.

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This passion for walking grew as the years passed. In late 2020 she began working for Launceston Life, and in between speaking to customers and making those all important advertising bookings, she would get outside as much as possible. This habit has only continued into 2024, and earlier this year, she had the itch to do something bigger. After some digging, she came across the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek, a challenge which takes walkers some 3,000 metres high along the Himalayan Foothills in India, with walkers experiencing spectacular mountain scenery, ancient temples and the chance to explore a rarely-trekked route and the Tibetan community. Now signed up and raring to go, Claire has to raise a minimum of £2,450, of which £1,201 will go to Charity Challenge for part of the trip expenses. Everything else raised will be given to a charity close to her heart, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). But being the ambitious character she is, Claire is hoping to raise a lot more than that so more money can go to the charity.

As a mother to her eleven-year-old daughter Willow, and with a background in pediatric nursing, Claire knew straight away that CHSW was the charity she wanted to support through the challenge.

Claire said: “I chose CHSW because I trained as a pediatric nurse, before my personal circumstances changed and I had a change of career path. As we’re in such a rural corner of the world with less facilities, CHSW is that vital support line for so many Cornish families with a child facing terminal or life-limiting illness. They are such an important charity, so I want to raise as much as possible so they can continue their amazing work.”

The challenge will also help Claire face some fears and feed into her focus on mental wellness. She added: “I’ve always had experiences with vertigo, so I think the trek is going to help me overcome a lot - considering I’ll be 3,000 metres high! Walking also helps me feel so much happier and healthier - it has done wonders for my mental health.”

Training has already started for Claire, walking a minimum of three miles daily with a six or seven-mile walk at the weekend. After Christmas, her training will bump up to the next level, and then 16-21 weeks before she leaves for the trek, she will follow a strict fitness programme and receive guidance from the Altitude Centre to ensure she is ready to tackle those high climbs.

In addition to her family, friends and colleagues cheering her on, Launceston business Charlie Bears has very kindly pledged their support by sponsoring Claire. She is set to carry a cute little companion along the way - a Charlie Bears yeti - as a reminder of home and the fantastic communities that have supported her.

Now, she’s looking to the community, with the hope that those who are able to dig deep into their pockets might make a donation to her Just Giving page.

She added: “Thank you to everyone who has already sponsored me on my Just Giving page. A special thank you to my main sponsor Charlie Bears, the Preston Gate Inn who raised money at their recent quiz night, and all the families who came along to the roller disco at Holsworthy Leisure Centre. There will be more fundraising events to come, plus you might find me bag-packing at Morrisons in Bude!”

For updates, like Claire’s Facebook page: Claire’s Himalayan Foothills Trek for Children’s Hospice SW.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/claire-pearce