“They are all heroes in my eyes” – an interview with hospice fundraiser Aaron

At Prospect Hospice, we’re lucky enough to have a fantastic community of supporters who take on challenges to help us provide free end of life care for more than 1,700 patients and their families – every single year.

Aaron Denley-Doswell took on a Tough Mudder challenge in 2023 to help raise funds in memory of a good friend who was cared for by the hospice. We spoke to Aaron about why supporting the hospice is important to him, and why he chose to take on the challenge.

What motivated you to support Prospect Hospice?

I have been looking to help the hospice since 2021 when a good friend of mine passed away in your care after a long battle with various cancers. His name was David Young. The support and care he received in the hospice was above and beyond my own preconceptions of what a hospice could be.

The staff at Prospect Hospice were taking care and helping the family long before he needed care within the walls of the hospice building as well as looking out for the family after his sad passing.

What appealed to you about taking on this challenge?

I had an accident at work back in 2015 and have been left with mobility issues ever since. Long before I knew it was going to impact my life on a permanent basis I joked with friends that I would be up for doing a Tough Mudder by the same time next year. Needless to say, this never happened due to complications and other issues.

Many years later I decided that I was still going to give it a go, regardless of my limitations and I could think of no one more worthy to raise money for than the charity that had looked after my good friend.

Tell us about the memories you made taking part in this challenge.

My memories of doing the Tough Mudder would include the amazing people who joined me and helped me to complete it. It would never have been possible without them. Even with my stubborn nature, there is no way I could have completed any of the obstacles without their physical and mental help literally pushing me along the course. Dave’s incredible wife and daughter also joined the team along with his son-in-law and my wife so it made it a real family affair.

I also have fond memories of some of the different obstacles that we managed to complete. Some not so fondly though.

Are there any top tips you would share with someone preparing to take on a Tough Mudder?

Having the right people around you when you take on any challenge would be my best bit of advice.

For me personally, it was a huge challenge to complete a Tough Mudder with my own mobility issues but whenever I was struggling or hurting, it was the team around me who kept me going.

What did you enjoy most?

Looking back, I think the thing I enjoyed most about the event was some of the obstacles. After one of the obstacles, I turned to look at my team and everyone was covered head to toe in mud but all with huge smiles.

What will you be doing next?

I am in the process of looking into other ideas for another event to keep the momentum going but it all comes down to my health and medical treatment. I would love to do the Three Peaks Challenge one day and I will continue to work with the hospice’s e-commerce team and organising “My Dads Bigger Than Your Dad” festival to keep the support for Prospect Hospice going.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

The last thing I would like to mention is a HUGE thank you to everyone involved with the hospice! From the front-line nurses and carers to the behind-the-scenes staff. To all the volunteers who give their valuable time to keep all the different aspects of the hospice and fundraising going. They are all heroes in my eyes.

Feeling inspired? Are you looking to challenge yourself? Fancy doing something you’ve never done before? Then join Team Prospect!

When you join Team Prospect and take on one of our exciting challenges, you will help us to provide free care to local people living with terminal illness and support for their families.

For more information visit our Challenges page here