Rain fails to take the shine off star walkers
Hundreds step out for fundraising triumph
THE Starlight Walk was a mix of rain drops and tear drops for around 400 walkers at Capesthorne Hall.
The inevitable drizzle failed to dampen spirits among East Cheshire Hospice supporters, many of them emotional as they remembered lost loved ones.
The dusk walk, sponsored by Adamley Textiles, saw participants cover a 2.5km loop through woodland carpeted with bluebells.
A group of 20 staff from Mulberry ward, a specialist inpatient unit on Victoria Road, wore pink wigs in memory of nurse Wendy Simms who died of cancer last September, aged 60, shortly after retiring.
Colleague Colette O’Sullivan said: “We’re here to pay homage to Wendy who liked to dress up and do daft things like the rest of us.
“Wendy was cared for by the Hospice @Home team.”
Magician Paul David entertained walkers with various tricks.
Paul volunteered his services as a thank you for the way the hospice cared for his late father David Morrison.
Grandfather Barry Oldfield was joined by sons Barry, Paul and Andrew as he honoured the memory of wife June who died of cancer three years ago, aged 58.
Barry managed to complete two circuits of the Capesthorne grounds despite ill-health.
Son Barry said: “Dad has been training for months for this walk and was determined to be here.”
Nephew Aaron and wife Hollie also took part, remembering Barry’s sister Sheila who died in 2011. Katie Richardson and daughter Sienna took part for the first time.
Katie, who works in the learning support department at Beech Hall School, was honouring the memory of her late father David.
Community and events
fundraiser Claire Gorton was unable to join walkers due to a bad knee injury.
Claire, the event lead, said: “I’ve walked the course many times when
planning the event, but unfortunately can’t get round tonight.
“We can’t control the weather, but the turnout is fantastic. We’d like to
thank everyone involved, including walkers, sponsors, volunteers and suppliers.
“It’s about raising funds to care for our patients and their carers and families.”
Lighting, lanterns, fire pits and points of reflection were among features at the memory walk.