An inspirational lady will take on a gruelling challenge this October – trekking to Everest Base Camp to honour the memory of a friend, and her partner.
When Bina Qais began training in memory of Michelle James, she had her supportive partner, Arron McEneaney at her side.
But cruelly, this fundraiser has now become even more poignant. Tragically, and unexpectedly, Arron passed away in January from a heart attack.
“We were at the start of our personal journey of life, planning breaks away and building life and retirement together,” Bina said, “He was as excited as I am about this challenge. I know he will continue this adventure with me and be by my side every step of the way.”
Despite the double loss, Bina is determined to join a team of 20 people for the trek, all of them working to raise funds for the hospice.
Bina's gruelling workouts have already seen her take on a 50K Jurassic Coast challenge earlier this year.
“I signed up for the 100K, but my body was in so much shock after losing Arron, I only managed 50, but that's still an achievement. Four days later I climbed Snowdonia,” she told MKFM.
While her losses are still incredibly raw, the 54-year-old has gained strength through training and says Willen Hospice is the perfect charity, urging people to support the fundraising initiative if they can – and no amount is too small: “You don't need to do what I am doing. It's little things that help. Even £1 goes a long way, to be honest.
“Even if it's not monetary – perhaps you can donate a prize for a raffle, or donate some of your time.
“This day and age we all know someone who has had a loss to cancer or is fighting their own battle with grief. Willen has been a massive support to me with my loss – it is such an amazing place.”
Poignantly, Bina will be on Everest on what would have been Arron's 60th birthday.
“It is a massive motivation to honour his birthday,” she said, “I will be wearing his work shirt with pride. Being so high, I feel in a sense of being nearer to the heavens. Hopefully I will be able to mark the occasion by tying a prayer flag in honour of both Arron and Michelle's memories.”
Bina is being supported by her two grown up sons who, unsurprisingly, are hugely proud of their mum.
“Life is cruel and I've seen my fair share of challenges, but inner strength, my boys and my friends got me through with their love, support and belief."
And the motivation to continue this challenge in the face of so much grief?
“They mattered," she says, simply, "and I have got to push forward.
“You believe, you get on and you can achieve anything you want to, no matter what circumstances there are. I've got to pull my socks up and do what I need to do,” she added.
To support Bina and her incredible journey, click https://www.justgiving.com/search?q=jabeen%2520Qais
