Tina to tackle two major fundraisers in memory of loved ones – all in one day

Tina Kimberley has two special people to pay tribute to this year – and is really showing her dedication to the hospice where they were looked after by taking on two of her favourite charity challenges back-to-back.

Ever since St Catherine’s launched its Moonlight and Memories Walk in 2007, mum-of-two Tina has supported the event to mark the anniversary that her beloved nanna was cared for at the hospice 11 years ago.

This year, the walk is taking place a little later in the year than usual – on July 1 rather than in June – and Tina had already signed up to take part in the ‘Color Run’ which comes to Manchester that day, to raise additional funds for St Catherine’s.

And she has even more motivation to back the Lostock Hall charity in 2017, after once again seeing the ‘wonderful’ care the staff provide to patients when her dad stayed at the hospice just before Christmas.

“I have two links with St Catherine’s now, it’s a special bond,” Tina explained. “The staff were incredible on both occasions. They really go out of their way to support the patients and family members on an individual basis. It’s just wonderful; a very special place.”

Tina’s nanna Ella Davis – her mum’s mum – was referred to the hospice in the final weeks of her battle with stomach cancer.

“My nanna was an absolutely amazing lady and I always feel so proud to take part in the Moonlight and Memories Walk in her honour,” she said. “I sign up on my own – it’s my special thing that I do for her and it means a lot to me.

“I’ve made sure to have a presence there every year since it started – there have been a couple of occasions when my husband Steven has stood in for me when I couldn’t attend, but I’ve always made an effort to support this meaningful event, which is very close to my heart.

“The atmosphere on the night is wonderful – it’s obviously emotional reading the tributes on people’s T-shirts and hearing about why they are there, but it’s also so positive and uplifting, knowing that you’re part of something which is raising money that is so needed by the hospice.”

Tina’s dad, Keith (pictured), was also diagnosed with stomach cancer and spent 15 days in the hospice’s inpatient unit in December. He died on the 17^th December, aged 78.

Tina, from Fulwood, said: “We actually felt some relief when he was offered a place at St Catherine’s, because we knew he was in excellent hands.

“I’ve never done two events in a day before but this year seems like a good opportunity to give it a go. It will be tiring but the Color Run starts late morning and the Moonlight and Memories Walk starts at 10pm, so I’m up for the challenge!

“The Color Run is a 5k with powder paints and is great fun. And the Moonlight and Memories Walk is very special, so it will be good to be able to do both.

“People say I’m a bit crazy but I really enjoy the events and it’s my way of giving something back to St Catherine’s.”

Norman Cutler, fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We had originally pencilled in the Moonlight and Memories Walk for June as usual, but then we discovered that Elton John is performing in Lancashire that weekend, so we didn’t want people to have to choose between us and the Rocket Man!

“It’s amazing that Tina is going to be doing two challenges for St Catherine’s in one day – a 5k and a 10-mile walk. That takes a lot of dedication and it’s thanks to people like her, who feel proud and committed to supporting the hospice, that we’re able to continue providing care to local people with life-shortening illnesses such as Motor Neurone Disease, cancer, heart failure and MS.

“There are plenty of ways to get involved, from signing up to sponsored events like the Moonlight and Memories Walk, or even volunteering on the night. We’re determined to make this year’s event the best yet, and really encourage friends, relatives and work colleagues to come together and stride out in memory of loved ones, for a very worthy cause.”

The 10-mile circular walk sets off from the grounds of St Catherine’s Park at 10pm on July 1, with registration open from 6pm when there will be refreshments, entertainment, music and dancing. It goes through Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge, Preston and Penwortham.

There is also a four-mile family-friendly route. Registration is £15 for adults and £10 for under-18s, for either route, and people are encouraged to raise as much in sponsorship as possible.

Sign up by clicking here, emailing fundraising@stcatherines.co.uk, or calling 01772 324540.

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