WITH Prospect Hospice’s annual Starlight Walk just a few short months away, Sally Rachael, who lost her mother to bowel cancer, is encouraging people to join her for a moonlit amble.

In October 2011, Sally’s mother Doreen Everitt was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer and died 12 months later at home, after the tumour spread to her liver. She was 64 years old.

Her health rapidly deteriorated but through treatment and up until her final moments Prospect staff were close by her and her relatives’ side.

Her daughter is now determined to raise as much as she can for the charity and asks the people of Swindon to follow her example and back one of the town’s most valued organisations.

“The Prospect is wonderful,” said the direct sales manager, of Abbey Meads. “My mum used to go to the day hospice once a week and it gave her a break, even if it was just for a cup of coffee. She made good friends there.

“The Prospect was also a great help with putting us in touch with the right people. You just don’t know who to turn to or where to go when it comes to benefits or help in the home.

“Everybody loved my mum and that’s why we are all doing it, to remember her and to raise money for the hospice. All the work they do is through fundraising and they need £5.8 million to run.”

This will be Sally’s second Starlight Walk but the first since her mother’s passing and may prove more emotionally charged this time around.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Swindon Advertiser:

Doreen Everitt

“The Starlight Walk is a good night out,” said the mother-of-two, who volunteers once a week at Prospect’s Abbey Meads shop.

“I did it with about 20 people two years ago and the atmosphere was amazing. Everybody should do it because it helps such a good cause.

She added: “Last time I did it my mum was alive so it will be more emotional and I will be thinking of her.

“But we are so lucky to have a hospice in Swindon. You never know when you or your family will need to use the hospice.”

Sally has so far enlisted ten of her friends to join her on Saturday, June 28 and is hoping the group will raise a minimum of £1,000.

To sign up to the Starlight Walk visit www.prospect-hospice.net/ starlight Registration is £12 and sponsorship of £100 is suggested.

Participants will have a choice between a 10km and 15km route.

To sponsor Sally go on www.justgiving.com/TeamAbbeyMeads

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

  • By cheque: With the donation form on the right
  • By card: Online through the donate now button, www.prospect-hospice.net
  • In cash: Prospect Hospice reception in Wroughton, Prospect Hospice retail shops or the Swindon Advertiser office
  • Prospect Hospice can also take card donations over the phone – contact the fundraising team on 01793 816161
  • Taking part in an event for Prospect? Why not donate through our appeal – let us know via email on 160appeal@swindonadvertiser.co.uk or call us on 01793 501806.