Adeline has an active spirit and a bright smile. She enjoys gymnastics, piano, history, and running.
But my favourite thing to do is watch TV!"Adeline
Adeline’s journey began with an idea from her mum, Karla, who works as the Therapy and Day Services Lead at the hospice. “Adeline had wanted to do the New Year’s Day Dip, but she was too young,” Karla explains. “So, we thought this would be a fun alternative for her.” The challenge, ‘Walk 100 Miles with Your Dog,’ was the perfect fit, combining Adeline’s active spirit with her love for Olive and her desire to help others.
A Big Dog with a Big Heart
Olive, a 3-year-old Great Dane, had been with Karla and Adeline since she was a puppy. Adeline had originally wanted to name her Blackberry, but Olive’s sweet nature more than made up for her salty name. “She’s a big, lazy dog who loves treats,” Adeline shares, and it’s no surprise that keeping Olive motivated on their walks required a little extra effort in the form of snacks.
The walks, which started at 3 miles a day, weren’t always easy. “We missed a couple of days, so we had to walk 8 miles on the last day,” Adeline says enthusiastically. But she didn’t let the challenge slow her down. Together with Olive, she tackled a variety of locations around town—taking in a big loop of Taunton, the beach, and a forest, which quickly became her favourite spot.
“It was a bit slow going in the forest,” Adeline adds, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous smile. “We had my auntie with her baby and two bulldogs, Leonard and Penny. They were so slow—they’d walk five steps and already be panting!”
Despite the slower pace, Adeline and Olive remained in high spirits, sharing memories along the way. One memorable day involved a stop at their favourite coffee shop, where Olive was treated to a cup of dog cream and two chewy treats, much to her delight.
Motivation Through Family and Friends
Adeline’s dedication to the walk was matched by the incredible support she received from her family and community. Everyone was always eager to hear what Adeline was up to. To keep her motivated she took a picture on each walk, capturing the lovely memories she and Olive made together.
Karla explains that they were amazed by the generosity of Adeline’s family, friends, and even people at the hospice who were all eager to donate.
Adeline raised a fantastic £535 for the cause. I don’t think I would have raised that much!”Karla
Building Memories
The walks weren’t just about raising money; they were about building memories. Adeline loved chasing Olive at the beach, although keeping up with the fast-running dog was quite the challenge. “Olive usually hates the water, but at the beach, she loves jumping around in the rock pools,” Adeline says.
After each walk, Olive would flop down on her bed, “shutting down” for hours in a well-earned nap.
Adeline’s incredible effort could fund an entire five session course of specialist physiotherapy for a patient at St Margaret’s Hospice, making a significant impact on their independence and well-being. Karla is deeply proud of her daughter, and the impact she has made.
Adeline is always keen to help anyone and to see the impact her fundraising has made is very special."
The fundraising campaign not only showcased Adeline’s commitment to helping others but also highlighted the unbreakable bond she shares with Olive. From long walks in the forest to fun days at the beach, their adventure was about more than just walking—it was about making memories, maintaining motivation, and helping others along the way.
Thank you, Adeline and Olive, for your inspiring dedication and generosity.