Walk in memory of a loved one at the Sunflower Walk

Last year, sisters Melanie and Adele Johnson took part in the Hospices annual Sunflower Walk, along with 40 friends and family, to walk in memory of their mother, Kathleen, who was cared for at Thames Hospice in February 2018. They would like to encourage others to sign up today and walk in memory of a loved one at this year's Sunflower Walk to support the Hospice.

Melanie said: "Mum spent her final week of life at Thames Hospice. I think if this had been anywhere else it wouldn't have been as dignified. You don't get that same level of care elsewhere. Each one of the nurses is very personable, you feel comfortable and they look after the whole family.

"We were there 24/7 and there were all these people who supplied you with tea and coffee every day. That's one of the many reasons why we wanted to do the Sunflower Walk to pay them back for all the tea and coffee!"

Adele added: "It was our way of saying thank you to Thames Hospice, it allowed us to give back for the comfort they gave us, and having our whole family with us to do that."

The Sunflower Walk is open to all ages and abilities, with a choice of a 13k, 6.5k or 4k route around the lake. Registration includes a T-shirt for adults and sunflower deely boppers for children. There will be a medal for every walker, along with entertainment for the children. For those supporters walking in memory of a loved one, there will be an opportunity to leave a message on the special Memory Tree.

Melanie and Adele said: "The Sunflower Walk was a sunny occasion. Although it was still a sad day, we celebrated Mum and her life. It was something that we could do in mum's memory which involved all the children. They had their chance to say goodbye to Mum by leaving a message on the memory tree."

Melanie, Adele and their family raised an incredible £2,000 for Thames Hospice at The Sunflower Walk last year through the generosity of their friends and family.