Parents, teens and toddlers set to take on hospice’s Moonlight and Memories Walk together

Parents, teens and toddlers are striding out in force for the family-friendly Moonlight and Memories Walk with St Catherine’s Hospice this summer.

From five-year-old Ava to 18-year-old James, the Connor family is just one of many getting ready for a night to remember with the Lostock Hall charity on July 1.

They will be joined by mum Michelle and their sisters Gracie, aged eight, Amy, 11, and Emily, 14, as they prepare to put their best foot forward for the annual hospice fundraiser.

A four-mile route was introduced last year to celebrate the night-time walk’s tenth anniversary, to enable more people of all ages and abilities to take part in support of the hospice.

The family-friendly circular route is returning for 2017, along with the usual 10-mile trek around Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Preston and Penwortham.

Michelle, a mum-of-eight from Clayton-le-Woods, said: “It’s just good to give something back to the community as a family. Everyone knows someone who has experienced the care and support of St Catherine’s, and with it being a local charity you can see where your money’s going and how much of a difference it makes.”

Norman Cutler, fundraiser at the hospice, said: “It’s fantastic that the Connors have really got on board with our new family-friendly approach.

“The Moonlight and Memories Walk is all about reflecting and celebrating special lives in the company of others, so we really wanted to encourage families to come along and experience the occasion together.

“The 10-mile option is still there for those wanting a challenge, and it’s suitable for children as well, but the four-mile option just opens the walk up to even more people.

“As in previous years, the walk will set off at 10pm from the hospice grounds, which have recently been developed into St Catherine’s Park, where there will be refreshments and entertainment, as well as a memory wall for people to make dedications to their loved ones on the night.

“It really is a special evening for those who attend, filled with both fun and laughter, and some sadness too. It makes such a difference to our fundraising efforts too, as sponsorship money is used to help us continue providing the specialist palliative and end-of-life care of St Catherine’s, so we can support patients and their families when it matters most.”

• Registration is £15 for adults and £10 for under-18s, for either route. Sign up by clicking here, emailing fundraising@stcatherines.co.uk, or calling 01772 324540.

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