Walkers turn out in force in aid of Prospect Hospice (From Swindon Advertiser)

Walkers turn out in force in aid of Prospect Hospice

10:20am Monday 4th March 2013 in News By Matthew Edwards

RECORD numbers stepped out for Prospect Hospice as they walked to remember their loved ones.

The Wroughton-based hospice held their Walk of Memories, one of the hospice’s most popular fundraisers, yesterday with more than 200 people putting on their walking boots.

The five-mile sponsored walk around the Cotswold Lakes started and finished at the Four Pillars Hotel.

It is billed by the hospice as a peaceful and reflective walk for the whole family.

The family of Sue Quick, who were among those taking part, wore T-shirts with her face on to remember her.

Husband Rob, 46, and son James were so appreciative of the care the hospice gave Sue that they wanted to do their bit to give something back.

Rob said: “The team at Prospect Hospice did so much for Sue when she was a patient there, and were very supportive of me too.

“Last year it cost more than £5m to run the hospice, so I feel I would like to put something back, which is why me, our son James, my mother-in-law Bonny and friends Kenny and Debbie Richards and their children Kieran, Jessica, Layla and Joseph have all put our walking boots on for the Walk Of Memories.

“Sue would have been proud that we have raised £400 in only two weeks – she did Race For Life and always had a smile on her face.”

Tina Lewis, of Faringdon, and her family also had T-shirts and bunny ears on as they walked for her dad, Michael Lewis.

She said: “My dad is in the hospice at the moment and we have had other family and friends who have died of cancer so we are walking in memory of them.

“It is brilliant to see so many people on the walk – we thought it would just be us, but it shows how many people need Prospect.”

Hospice fundraiser Genevieve Arney said that they were delighted to see so many people take part in the walk and thanked everyone who turned up.

She said: “It’s a really nice way to come together as a family and do something to remember a loved one.

“It’s a walk that is suitable for all ages so it’s something that everyone can be a part of – even the dog.

“The hospice can’t thank the people taking part enough. It’s a great effort.

“It’s a very difficult time for them and they still come out and support the work of the hospice.”

Prospect Hospice is now taking bookings for Parachute for Prospect for June 16 and September 8.

To find out more, call 01793 816161 or email fundraising&events@ prospect-hospice.net.