A chance to find your heart in Lightwater Country Park
A CHARITY stroll will enable families to take part in an outdoor treasure hunt and support a Wokingham children’s charity.
First Day’s Children’s Charity has teamed up with the Barkham Hookers for their heartwarming half term event, a Heart Trail.
It will take place during the week when Valentine’s Day falls, and is a chance for people to get out and about in a nearby beauty spot, Lightwater Country Park.
A trail for people to follow will be scattered with hearts made by the Barkham Hookers, a group known for their crochet creations, and their charity support.
Led by Gaynor White, the group of knitters and crafters have crocheted the hearts that children and their grown-ups can find.
Ms White said: “We’ve made around 20 crocheted hangers with hearts, to display on the trail.
“We love helping First Days Charity, as it supports the local community so much with its amazing fundraising events. They do so much for such deserving families.”
Following a map, and discovering the hidden decorations, walkers will also find letters to spell out a secret word, and learn facts about the heart.
Once they’ve completed the 1km fitness walk around the park’s lakes, families can make their way to Lightwater Adventure Golf, or the Country Park Cafe, to claim a sweet treat.
Emma Cantrell, founder of First Days, said: “It’s a lovely family event, and a great opportunity to get outside in the fresh air.
“It’s the second time we’ve run this event, and we’re delighted that the Barkham Hookers have kindly agreed to help once again, by making hearts for people to find.
“And we’re pleased to work with Lightwater Country Park, a new location for us this year.
“We hope that lots of people will come along and take part.
“It’s a nice low-cost way to support a local charity while having fun.”
First Days supports children in the borough whose families are experiencing difficulties.
“January and February are very busy months for us,” said Ms Cantrell.
“It’s a really hard time for struggling families, especially with the cold snap we’ve been having.
“People are having to put the heating on, with that associated
cost, or else they are avoiding it, and enduring the cold.
“The cost of living hasn’t improved, and it especially affects lower income families in work.”
Ms Cantrell explains that while higher income families can be largely protected from the effects of the cost of living crisis, those in the lower paid brackets are experiencing difficulties.
“These are the people that come to us, and many of them feel pretty miserable at this time of year,” she said.
“They’ve exhausted all their options, and they don’t know what to do next.
“Often they don’t know what they need, but we can help direct them to the right sources of help.”
The charity’s Heart Trail will take place at Lightwater Country Park, from Saturday, February 10 through to Sunday, February 18.
Trail maps to take part cost a suggested donation of £3, and can be purchased from Lightwater Adventure Golf, or Lightwater Country Park Cafe. Funds raised will go to First Days. Onsite parking is free.