In tribute to its roots in its 40th year and evolving from its Midnight Walk, The Hospice of St Francis is inviting everyone to ‘walk with us’ to celebrate its birthday, remember special loved ones and support its fundraising effort.
The six-mile walk will take place in Berkhamsted on Saturday 29th June, with 7pm registration and a 7.30pm start, featuring key locations in the charity’s 40-year history, including the site of its first Hospice in Shrublands Road and St Peter’s Church on the High Street, where the Prayer Vigil that was the catalyst for its foundation took place on 6th June 1979.
Many local people have been touched by the Hospice’s care over the last 40 years. Whether a loved one or friend passed away last year or 30 or more years ago, everyone is invited to walk the route in their memory at this very special event.
The Hospice is encouraging everyone to honour a loved one they are walking in memory of, by wearing their favourite colour or a reminder of them. There will also be an opportunity to pick up a back sign to embellish with personalised messages and photographs, that can be worn for the duration of the walk.
Taking part in a previous Hospice walk, Katie Taylor-Sharpley, 46, from Redbourn, was part of a 10-strong team of family and friends walking in memory of her husband Paul, who she married at the Hospice in November 2017 five days before he died. The team, called The Ginger Ninjas, took part to give something back to the Hospice in thanks for the care Paul received.
“Paul was cared for in such peaceful and relaxed surroundings, by a great team of doctors, nurses and volunteers,” explained Katie. “In order to give something back and in Paul’s memory we decided to get together to walk and raise money for this very special place and for those who might find themselves in need of its support.”
Every step taken and every penny raised will help fortify the Hospice for the next 40 years so it can continue providing free care and support and help more local people to live their precious lives well.
The event will start at Berkhamsted Cricket Club, passing the historic ruins of Berkhamsted Castle before proceeding along the canal towards Northchurch and making its way towards the current Hospice in Spring Garden Lane. It will then head back in time to the site of its first home in Shrublands Road, and walkers will have the chance to light a candle in the place where it all began – at St Peter’s Church in Berkhamsted High Street.
Walkers are advised to wear comfy shoes and suitable clothing as the route crosses multiple terrains including grass, road, footpath and towpath. It is also advised to bring a torch for covering the less well-lit areas on route.
Registration is open now with tickets priced £15 per adult, and £5 per child under 18. To sign up and for top fundraising tips visit stfrancis.org.uk/walk-with-us
To find out more about the Hospice, visit stfrancis.org.uk or follow the charity on Twitter @hospicstfrancis or Facebook facebook.com/thehospiceofstfrancis #YourPreciousLife #WeLoveYourSupport