THE family of Honda worker Tony Sheen, who was cared for by Prospect Hospice, are showing their support for the charity by raising money in its Starlight Walk next month.

Tony, 53, of Stratton, died in March after he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer in November 2010.

Now, his widow Carolyn and their daughter Becky, 30, of Stratton are among the team Tony’s Angels, which has signed up for Prospect’s big fundraiser on June 30.

“We wanted to raise some money in thanks for all the support the hospice gave, not just to my dad, but to the whole family,” said Becky.

“Dad was full of praise for the care that he received from the Prospect nurse who visited him throughout his illness, and for the help he had from the team on the In-patient Unit, and even the support he had from the clinical psychologist there who helped him to make sense and come to terms with all that he was going through.”

Becky admits that she and her children drew on the support that was available to them from the hospice.

“Prospect has a team called the Family Support Team, which helps families and carers when their loved ones are patients,” she said “When it was clear that dad was getting closer to dying, I sought their help in finding the right ways to explain what was happening for my own children. They were fantastic, and they really helped me in ensuring the children understood.

“So my taking part in the Starlight Walk is my own way of saying thank you for all the support the Sheen family has received since my dad was first diagnosed.

“It would be great if I could encourage others to do the same.”

The Starlight Walk is in its fifth year, and last year raised £87,000 for Prospect.

It is a ladies’ nightwalk, although it isn’t unknown for men to get dressed up for the occasion and join the women on either the 10k or 15k route in and around Swindon.

“There’s something for everyone with the Starlight Walk,” said Prospect’s head of fundraising Sheryl Crouch.

“Often it’s an act of remembrance for participants who, like Becky, want to remember a loved one who has been cared for through our services. But for others just the opportunity to fundraise for their local charity is a great excuse for a fun night out with friends.”

Becky is certain taking part would have met with her dad’s approval.

“He would have been very proud of us,” she said. “Prospect came to mean a great deal to my dad, which is why we have been so keen to raise money for this wonderful cause. As a family we have been involved now in various fundraisers and are looking forward to taking part in the Starlight Walk in June.”

To register for the walk, call 01793 816161 or register at www.prospect- hospice.net/starlight. Sponsor Becky at www.justgiving.com/Becky-Jenkins0.