St Catherine’s Hospice supporters are taking to the streets for the charity’s alternative Moonlight and Memories Walk.

As the event can’t be hosted in the usual way this year due to coronavirus, supporters are striding out for the challenge in their own time throughout June, raising vital funding for the hospice’s palliative and end-of-life care.

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement, said: “We’d normally be gearing up for our busy summer events season at this time of year, including our Yellow Day, Summer Ball and more.

“Sadly we are unable to host our events this year due to the coronavirus outbreak, including our poignant Moonlight and Memories Walk. which we know means a lot to our communities.

“Instead, we’re encouraging people to do the four or 10-mile challenge in their own time throughout June, either in one go or over a few days or weeks, alone or with members of their household.

“We’re urging people to do it in their own way, in their favourite parks, beauty spots and walking routes, in honour of their loved ones and to support their local hospice.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how people decorate their t-shirts and customise their outfits, and we’re excited to see walkers’ photographs and routes from fitness apps like Strava. Supporters can set up JustGiving pages or Facebook Fundraisers so their family and friends can sponsor them remotely, and they can share their progress, photos and routes to inspire others to take part too.

“We want to make this year’s Moonlight and Memories Walk just as special as ever – we can’t all be together for the one night as usual, but we can join in this meaningful fundraiser and connect virtually, paying tribute to those we have lost, and helping to raise much-needed funds for St Catherine’s.”

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It’s £5 to register for the Moonlight and Memories Walk, and everyone taking part will receive a medal in the post.

Emma added: “We’re adapting the ways we work right across the organisation to face the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 crisis. Everyone is pulling together and working hard to make sure we can safely continue providing our specialist care and support to local people affected by life-shortening illnesses at the hospice and in patients’ own homes – including people with coronavirus who require palliative care.

“We have increased bed numbers on the inpatient unit to help relieve pressure on the NHS, we’re offering bereavement support remotely, some staff have been re-trained to help cover essential areas of our work, and we’re supporting our most vulnerable volunteers who can’t be with us at the moment, keeping in contact with them and providing a food delivery service where required.

“We’re so grateful for the wonderful support we continue to receive from our amazing communities, especially during such difficult times when we know others are struggling too. It means everything to us.”

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To sign up for the Moonlight and Memories Walk, visit the St Catherine’s website or call 01772 629171.

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Will you be taking part in the event? Let us know in the comments.