Come together to celebrate the lives of loved ones as Hospice’s Moonlight Walk returns
29th May
Local residents who have been touched by the work of Hospice in the Weald are being encouraged to take part in the charity’s Moonlight Walk when it returns on Saturday 25th June for the first time since 2019.
It is hoped more people than ever will gather friends, family and colleagues to remember loved ones and raise vital funds as they set the eight-mile route aglow through Sevenoaks and Knole Park.
There will be refreshment stops en-route, with food, drink and entertainment, including a performance from the Sevenoaks Rock Choir and a Zumba style warm up from Pembury Fitness, with more surprises to be revealed closer to the event.
Hospice in the Weald, based in Maidstone Road, Pembury with its pioneering Cottage Hospice in Five Ashes, ensures everyone with a terminal illness, and those important to them, will always receive care completely free of charge.
Lou Wardle, Head of Fundraising at Hospice in the Weald, said: “Moonlight Walk is a special event as it provides an incredible opportunity to celebrate the treasured memories we have of those we’ve lost in a stunning setting, whilst raising much needed funds for the Hospice. We’re so excited to have it back on our calendar, so please sign up today!”
It’s a charity close to the heart of Claire Pring, who has been taking part in Moonlight Walk for many years in memory of her mum Maureen (Brindley). Maureen was cared for by the Hospice before her death in 2004.
Claire, who has signed up again this year, said: “Each year I take part in Moonlight Walk in memory of my mum Maureen. It’s nice to be able to do it to give something back for all the care Hospice in the Weald provided for her.
“I’ve got so many favourite memories of my mum, but I mostly remember her just always being there for us all – we were her everything.
“When we heard mum was terminally ill, we didn’t know what to expect from a hospice but when we walked in there, it was wonderful. Mum said, ‘It’s like a really nice hotel room, they’ve even got a fridge’. We couldn’t have chosen something better, the staff were all so incredibly kind.
“Towards the last 4-5 days of Mum’s’ life we were even able to stay with her all the time and that really helped us all. We’re very lucky to have Hospice in the Weald. That’s why I try to raise as much as possible each year, to give something back.”
Claire, known for wearing bright curly wigs on the Walk and will be joined this year by her friend Tracey, added: “The Walk is a great time for reflection but it’s also very family orientated, you see lots of young people there and dogs too!”
Moonlight Walk festivities start from 6pm on Saturday 25th June in The Vine Gardens, Sevenoaks, with registration at £25 for adults and £15 for the under 16s. To secure your place, please visit the Events section of Hospice in the Weald’s website at hospiceintheweald.org.uk
Independent from the NHS, Hospice in the Weald needs to raise over £8million to provide vital Hospice care in the community. www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk
