Support a Healing Journey Through Travel & Photography
Donation protected
Turning a Tough Journey into an Unforgettable One
I’ve always believed you can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore to be happy. Over the last two years, life has tested me in ways I never could have imagined, but it has also taught me that time is precious and dreams can’t always wait.
I’ve always been very private about my personal life, which is why I’ve kept this part of my journey mostly to myself. But as part of my healing and because this next chapter means so much to me, I feel it’s now time to share.
In early 2023, I was misdiagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, which sent me on a relentless cycle of medical uncertainty, painful treatments, and endless hospital visits. By August, my health had declined so much that I was hospitalised. While the original diagnosis was later ruled out, I was left with chronic illnesses that affect my daily life in ways I never could have imagined. Some days are good, and some are hard, but despite everything, I’ve refused to put my life on hold. I’ve continued to create, win awards in photography, and travel when I can. But through it all, one person never left my side - my mum. She has been my anchor in the storm, my biggest supporter, and the reason I’ve been able to keep going.
Now, we have an opportunity that may never come again: a year of travel together. A year to breathe, to heal, and to take back some of what this illness has stolen.
Why This Trip Matters
This isn’t just about seeing the world. It’s about choosing to live fully, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
- For my health: Travel has always been my escape, and I hope that time away, new environments, and different cultures will give me space to heal in ways that medicine alone can’t.
- For my art: As a photographer, I’ve long dreamed of publishing a photography book, and this journey will be my chance to finally bring that vision to life.
- For my mum: After everything she has done for me, this is our chance to share something incredible and celebrate life, even after everything we’ve been through.
How You Can Help
Long-term illness has made funding this trip a challenge, but I know that with the support of my community, this dream can become a reality. Your help, whether through donations, sharing our story, or simply following along, means the world to me.
This journey is about so much more than travel. It’s about taking back my life, creating something lasting, and making memories that will stay with us forever.
The funds raised will go directly towards:
- Photography equipment: to ensure I can capture this journey to share with you all and create beautiful works of art for my photography book.
- Production costs: to create artistic sets, rent small props or space when needed.
- Travel and accommodation costs: throughout the year we will be house-sitting when we can, budgeting carefully in between but we will still have accommodation/travel costs to cover.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference and brings us closer to this once-in-a-lifetime adventure
If you can support me in any way, I would be endlessly grateful. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
We’ll be sharing links soon so you can follow our journey! ✈️
Organizer
Ellie Hope
Organizer
England