A Hike of Hope, Heart and Community for Sammy’s Squad

In June 2025, friends and family of seventeen-year-old Sam Evans came together to hike up Pen-y-ghent, one of Yorkshire’s iconic hills. Their goal wasn’t just to reach the top, but to celebrate Sam and raise funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice. The result? Over £34,000 raised and memories to last a lifetime.

Sam has been spending time at Martin House since he was one. He lives with Niemann Pick disease Type C, a rare, progressive neurological condition that affects his mobility, speech and swallowing, and causes seizures that are difficult to manage.

But despite everything, Sam’s personality still shines. Whether it’s singing during music therapy or lighting up when surrounded by family and friends, he brings joy to those around him.

“We’ve got some amazing videos of him being really flat, and then the music starts, and he becomes very animated and sings along,” says his mum, Miriam.

Over the years, Martin House has supported the whole family, not only through specialist care but by giving them precious time together in a place that feels safe and familiar.

“The whole point was we wanted to go, so Sam was really familiar with Martin House and the staff,” says Miriam. “So if he was unwell, it wouldn’t be a scary new place.”

A Christmas they didn’t expect

In December 2024, Sam became critically unwell and spent a week in ICU. On Christmas Eve, he was transferred to Martin House for end-of-life care but, incredibly, he rallied.

“We had a week there and then came home,” says his dad, Will. “Somehow, incredibly, we had a wonderful Christmas together.”

That experience gave friends and family a glimpse into what Martin House really means for children with life-shortening conditions and their families, how full of love and laughter a children’s hospice can be.

“You can’t imagine that a children’s hospice can be a place where joy exists,” says Miriam. “People would come in crying, and end up having cake.”

Sadly, Sam became seriously ill once again last autumn.

He died peacefully at Martin House in September 2025, with his family by his side.

The climb for Sam powered by friendship

Inspired by that time, a close friend of the family, Helen, suggested organising a fundraising walk up Pen-y-ghent as part of Martin House’s annual Yorkshire 3 Peaks fundraising challenge. But this wasn’t your average hike.

Sam was front and centre of the day, leading the way in his flame-red chariot, a specially adapted buggy, surrounded by his favourite people. What made this challenge even more extraordinary was that Sam was carried up the hill by his friends, aged just 6 to 17, supported by a few adults carrying equipment and medical essentials. Together, they helped carry Sam, his wheelchair, and his gear up the rugged Yorkshire hill.

Sam loves nothing more than a big outdoor adventure with his people, so this challenge couldn’t have been more perfect.

“It was lovely seeing lads Sam grew up with, and his brother and sister carrying him up the steps,” says Miriam.

Sam, wrapped in a rain cover for the early part of the climb, even had a nap along the way then perked up on the descent once the skies cleared. “We were worried about him needing medication halfway up,” adds Miriam, “but he had a really good day, health-wise. He always picks up on the atmosphere.”

A community effort and a fundraising triumph

The group of around 40 friends and relatives weren’t aiming to break records, just to show their love for Sam and raise vital funds for Martin House. And they did just that, bringing in donations from more than 1,800 people, boosted by corporate match funding and an outpouring of support on social media.

“It was amazing, not just the amount raised, but the number of people who donated,” says Miriam. “That’s all people who have now heard of Martin House.”

One young friend of the family, Roman, who has disabilities himself, couldn’t take part in the hike, but still raised over £2,600 by completing the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon.

On the day of the walk, they were even given a spontaneous £100 donation by a family they met on the trail. And at the finish line, Miriam’s parents greeted the group with trays of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a sweet end to a heartfelt journey.

Making it possible

The hike was made accessible for Sam thanks to support from Martin House and the expert team at Overlimits. A dedicated crew helped plan a safe route and coordinate a relay of helpers to get Sam safely up and down the hill using ropes and slings.

At Martin House, we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in making this day possible. Sam’s Summit is a shining example of love, community, resilience, and the sheer power of friendship and it’s helped raise the profile of our work in the most moving way and a lasting tribute to Sam’s life.

Thank you

To Sam, his family, and every single person who donated, shared, supported or climbed, thank you. You’ve helped ensure we can continue to provide vital care to families when they need us most, and you’ve made the 2025 Yorkshire 3 Peaks a record-breaking year for Martin House.