Ulverston woman honours late mum's memory with mammoth challenge

Jess Muckelt, from Ulverston, is two months into tackling a virtual John O’Groats to Lands End route alongside her canine companions Sky and Becket.

Jess has dystonia in her left leg and left hand meaning it makes walking longer distances hard work and she uses a manual wheelchair outside of the house.

She is travelling the distance around her hometown.

Dystonia is the name for uncontrolled and sometimes painful muscle movements.

Jess – a 41-year-old self-employed animal artist and crafter – decided to take on the world-famous route to raise money for St Mary’s Hospice who cared for her late mum in her final few weeks.

“The hospice helped mum be able to stay at home,” Jess said.

“They also offered support to dad and me and were always at the end of a phone if dad wanted to talk to someone.

“They were wonderful when mum needed care and provided hospice at home support allowing her to stay at home, which is what she wanted.”

Jess’ mum, Jean Muckelt, died in August last year of stage-four bowel cancer.

Her symptoms began during the pandemic when she began feeling unwell.

“Mum didn't want to go to the doctor as she was very worried about getting Covid,” said Jess.

Jess Muckelt is two months into tackling the John O’Groats to Lands End route alongside her canine companions Sky and Becket (Image: Submitted)

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“She eventually went in March 2021 and was quickly sent for tests that revealed stage-four bowel cancer and was told there was nothing they could do. She had to go onto a liquid diet immediately as the tumour was so big any solid food could have blocked her bowel.

“Mum took it all in her stride. She had a very strong Christian faith and wrote the order of service for her funeral, the eulogy for my brother to read and chose her favourite song for me to sing.”

Jess and her family praised the support given by St Mary’s Hospice who allowed her mum to stay at home during her final days.

Jess hopes the mammoth virtual challenge she’s taking on will honour her mum’s memory.

She said: “Mum would have thought I was mad for doing this challenge and would have said 'How many miles?!'

“But it’s a way I can raise money to thank the hospice for everything they did for her and so they can help other families the way they helped ours.”

Jess is currently completing 11 miles a day, with the aim of finishing the challenge by the end of July.

To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/jess-muckelt-168407036496