RESIDENTS are invited to remember a loved one this month, with a fundraising walk.
Sue Ryder has launched its Walk to Remember, encouraging people to walk 5km (3.1 miles) or 10km (6.2 miles) to raise funds for the hospice.
One walker lacing up her trainers is Wokingham woman, Caroline Parry, 62.
She will be walking on Tuesday, October 12, to remember her husband, Patrick, who was cared for at Sue Ryder’s Duchess of Kent Hospice before he died in January 2018.
Mrs Parry is sharing her story in the hope of inspiring others to join the charity event.
“October 12 would have been Patrick’s 80th birthday, and I wanted to take part in Walk to Remember to help Sue Ryder because of all of the incredible support they gave us as a family,” she said.
“Patrick wasn’t in the hospice for a long time, but the help that was given to us was just amazing. We knew we were waiting for the end, but we were able to all be together as a family and go through the journey together.
“I can’t fault anything, and the charity will always be close to my heart.”
Mrs Parry said she used to visit Dinton Pastures Country Park with her husband, where the pair would walk, then sit and chat with a coffee.
She has chosen the country park for her fundraising walk.
“Sometimes you just need time alone to reflect and to think about what life would have been like if he was still here,” she added. ““I’m looking forward to walking in our special place and thinking back on happy memories.”
Laura Kell, head of hospice fundraising at the charity, thanked Mrs Parry for her support.
“There’s still time to sign up to do your own Walk to Remember this October,” she said. “It’s an incredibly special fundraising event that allows supporters to raise vital funds, while also helping us grieve by coming together and talking about our loved ones who are no longer with us.
“The money raised by taking part will enable our doctors, nurses and staff to continue to provide compassionate and expert care and help us fill someone’s last days with love.”
For more information, or to sign up, visit: www.sueryder.org/walkwithus
