Kentish Express Ashford & District
Join charity’s walkers for uplifting night in pyjamas
Hundreds of people will be pulling on their nightclothes on Saturday to take part in the annual Pilgrims Hospices Pyjama Walk.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday from the Ashford Designer Outlet and although registrations are now closed, anyone keen to participate can still enter at 8.30pm on the night.
Take on the 10km circular route for just £15 for adults and £10 for under-16s, with money raised going towards Pilgrims’ funding, of which the local community provides 77%.
Those taking part can also enjoy free entertainment before the 10pm walk gets under way.
Ashford resident Gareth Lane is walking in memory of his father, Desmond, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2015 and was cared for at the hospice.
He said: “Dad was a strong individual and he would not let this disease stop him making the most of every moment.
“Pilgrims Hospices offered both my dad and mum an incredible amount of care and support.
“The amazing staff made him feel as comfortable as he would have been in his own home.”
Pilgrims Hospices community fundraising manager Victoria Lawrence said: “We are so grateful to Gareth and to all of the walkers who are getting behind this event and to our amazing community sponsors Andrew & Co Estate Agents and Givaudan.
“Some of our supporters have direct experience of our care, others may not but all are welcome to come together for this fun and uplifting event.
“Events like this really make a difference to us so we can be there for the thousands of people who rely on our services each year.
“Last year we raised over £23,000 for hospice services. It would be fantastic if we can achieve that again this time.”
Pilgrims has three hospices in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, offering specialist care and acting as a hub from which they deliver a wide range of dayto-day support for adults of any age with a life-limiting illness.
You can sponsor Gareth at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Gareth-Lane3.
For more information about the Pyjama Walk, go to www. pilgrimshospices.org/pjwalk.
A special picture feature on this year’s Pyjama Walk will appear in next week’s paper.