Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Moonlight Memory Walk is returning on 2 October with the option for walkers to take part in Falmouth or take part virtually in their hometown.
The event is an annual evening sponsored walk where walkers can take the opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones while raising vital funds for the charity.
A bereaved family from St Ives will be taking part in the event in Falmouth in memory of Lia who sadly died from a brain tumour aged 11 in 2013. Lia’s Mum Paula, Dad Stuart and brother Cody will all be walking the five mile route in Lia’s memory.
Lia and her family had, and continue to receive, support from CHSW through its Little Harbour hospice in St Austell. After Lia’s diagnosis the family had respite stays at the hospice and created many happy memories there including those of a onesie party thrown for Lia and some of her closest friends.
Since Lia’s death her family have supported CHSW any way they can; taking part in many events to raise funds in various different ways. Earlier this summer Stuart completed a 215 mile sponsored cycle ride; Ride for Precious Lives, riding from Bristol to St Austell over three days in memory of his daughter.
Reflecting on the week of Lia’s death, Stuart said;
“Without the staff at the hospice I don’t know how we would have managed that week, we barely left Lia’s side, but knew that Cody was safe and being looked after. We were looked after too, which allowed us to be with Lia and just think about being Mum and Dad. Without Little Harbour that wouldn’t have been possible.”
On 2 October the Moonlight Memory Walk will be happening in Falmouth or people can get involved virtually by doing their own walk of any distance and any route and then watch the live stream of the memory ceremony.
Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser for CHSW said
“We are really looking forward to the return of this uplifting event, we know just how much it means to everyone taking part, including the Veal family, to have that time to remember their loved ones and celebrate those memories while walking together. This event is open to anyone, you don’t have to have a link to our hospices, so whether you choose to join us in Falmouth or take part at home please do get involved.”
Kurtis Reece, PR & Strategic Partnerships Executive for National Friendly added
“We are the proud sponsors of this event for a second consecutive year and our organisation is passionate about helping families prepare for life’s contingencies. The Moonlight Memory Walk is a wonderful opportunity for friends and family members to join together with CHSW in person or virtually to remember their loved ones."
Lia’s mum Paula said
“We look forward to taking part in the Moonlight Memory Walk to remember our daughter Lia as well as raise funds so that other families can be supported by the hospice too.”
Enhanced measures have been put in place to ensure the Falmouth event is covid-safe for walkers, staff and volunteers.
For more information and to sign up visit www.chsw.org.uk/moonlight to ensure you receive all of the event materials.
The event is being kindly sponsored by National Friendly and all money raised from the Moonlight Memory Walk will go towards helping CHSW continue to run its three children’s hospices and help children with life limiting conditions and their families.