Levis Loop

Team fundraiser

Joseph Hill and Joanna Hill are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

My name is Joe, and I’m a paramedic in Cumbria. In March 2024, our families life changed forever when our son Levi died suddenly at 32 weeks and was stillborn a couple of days later. As a family, we were devastated beyond words. In the aftermath of our loss, we were surrounded by the love and support of our friends, family, colleagues and church community. Their kindness and compassion helped us navigate our grief and find strength in our darkest moments and we will be forever grateful.

During this heart-wrenching time, the maternity team at West Cumberland Hospital were incredible. They guided us through those unbearable days with compassion and care, making the impossible just a little more bearable. We spent precious time with Levi in the Bluebell Suite, a special room at the hospital named for the beautiful picture of bluebells at Rannerdale Knots that hangs on the wall. It was in this room that we held our son for the first and last times, confronting the overwhelming reality of our grief. The bluebells at Rannerdale Knots have since become a special place for us, a symbol of our love for Levi and a place where we can feel connected to him.

The Challenge - June 14th 2025

In the wake of our tragedy, I was determined to find a way to create something positive from our loss. To channel my grief and honor Levi’s memory, I decided to embark on a personal challenge: Levi’s Loop. The cycling challenge is to ride to every ambulance station in Cumbria, climb Hardknott Pass, The Struggle, Great Dun Fell and Newlands Pass, and a pass by Rannerdale Knots—all within 24 hours. The route is around 290 miles long with over 7000m (23000ft) of vertical ascent.

Levi’s Loop is not just about raising money; it’s about creating a lasting memorial for Levi and using our collective strength to support others. I’ll be recruiting riders to join me for sections of the route, providing company and safety. This challenge is set for June 2025 giving us all time to train and prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to the sport, your participation is welcome.

The Charities

In the weeks following Levi’s death, we were introduced to Team Evie, a charity that offered us invaluable peer support. This organization, based in Cumbria, supports community nursing teams, local hospitals, and the intensive care ward at the RVI in Newcastle. They aim to make hospital stays more bearable for families and poorly children, and provide much-needed support to bereaved parents. The compassion and understanding we found through Team Evie gave us a lifeline during our darkest days.

As a paramedic, I’ve seen firsthand the toll that mental health struggles can take on individuals. Ambulance staff regularly face traumatic situations, and over time, this can significantly impact our mental health. Before Levi’s death, I was already a strong advocate for staff health and well-being, organizing fitness challenges and promoting healthy lifestyles. Good diet, sleep, and the willingness to talk openly about mental health are crucial for our well-being. Levi’s death challenged me immensely, but through good support and a willingness to face the grief and talk openly about it I’ve managed to avoid complete despair. I hope to use my situation to encourage conversation and peer support amongst my colleagues and relieve some of the stigma of admitting you’re struggling. This is why I am also raising money for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC). TASC provides a range of mental, physical, and financial services to support the well-being of the UK’s ambulance staff, including those on the road, in control rooms, and in support roles.

All donations will be split equally between Team Evie and TASC.

My hope is that this challenge will grow and be undertaken by others, as individuals or as teams, so that Levi’s memory can live on and continue to inspire positive change. Through this challenge, I aim to create a lasting memorial for Levi, turning our grief into a force for good. Your support can help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of families and ambulance staff in need. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us honour Levi’s memory.