Walk to remember loved ones and support the work of Thames Hospice

Thames Hospice is inviting supporters to walk to remember their loved ones in their annual Sunflower Walk on Saturday 11 September 2021. 

Alan Moore, a supporter of the Hospice and volunteer at the charity, takes part in The Sunflower Walk every year to remember his beloved wife Sue, whom was cared for by the Hospice before she sadly passed away. Alan wants to encourage the local community to get involved and sign up to walk in memory of a loved one.

Alan said: “My wife, Sue, had terminal breast cancer and we received tremendous support from Thames Hospice. As Sue became less mobile, getting out of the house was very difficult for her. Thames Hospice offered an essential escape once a week as she attended their Day Therapy Centre. Sue also had respite stays at the Hospice, before being cared for there in her final days, as she wanted.”

Alan continued: “I really wanted to contribute something to Thames Hospice to thank them for the support they gave to me and Sue, and to help them to continue this vital service for other patients. A regular fundraising activity for me has been the annual Sunflower Walk. I am a keen walker and my family and friends contribute generously to my efforts. There is always a good feeling on the Sunflower Walk as you see people of all ages taking part enjoying a healthy outdoor activity, knowing that every penny raised will go towards helping the wonderful Thames Hospice nurses and other staff to maintain the service for the most vulnerable people. I hope as many people as possible will take part in the Sunflower Walk to support Thames Hospice."

This year the charity is calling on supporters to ‘do it your way’ and walk in memory of their loved ones by taking on a local route of their choosing, covering a distance of either 2.5k, 5k or 10k. Afterwards, walkers will have the opportunity to visit the charity’s new Hospice by Bray Lake to collect their well-earned medal in person and enjoy an afternoon of celebration in the Hospice gardens from 11am to 5pm, with a BBQ, refreshments, children’s entertainment and live music.

Thames Hospice supporter Eve Fielder has been taking part in The Sunflower Walk every year in memory of her father, Peter, since he passed away at the Hospice in 2013.

Eve said: “I have been taking part in The Sunflower Walk, as a tribute to my Father's courage, and as my way of supporting our wonderful Hospice, and thanking all the staff for their care and dedication to all of us in our time of greatest need.

“I find the walk itself a happy event, as we all come together to raise funds, and help maintain this wonderful service. I already have this year's route all planned, complete with 'snack stops', and am very much looking forward to the afternoon's events at the new site by Bray Lake.

“I will never forget the kindness Thames Hospice showed to us all, or the nurse’s calm reassuring voice at the end of the phone, saying "We can help', at a time when I thought nobody could. These things will stay with me forever.”

Registration for the Sunflower Walk is free, however the charity asks that everyone raises a minimum of £75. For those who raise more than £75, they will receive a Thames Hospice t-shirt as well as their medal. Everyone who visits the Hospice after their walk will have the opportunity to write a special message for their loved one on a dedicated Sunflower Walk memory tree in the gardens.