A DEVOTED fundraiser will share memories of her beloved granddad on a moonlit stroll through parkland as a hospice launches a brand new event for the community.
Stacey Donnelly, of Darlington, is one of the first to register for the new Moonlight and Memories Charity Walk to raise much-needed funds for St Teresa’s Hospice.
She has been inspired to help by her granddad Brian Waller who lost his fight with lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, in November 2017, aged 73.
“Our family have never forgotten about the amazing support we received from the hospice during the time he was poorly,” said Stacey.
“We were, and still are, beyond grateful for everything they did. The Hospice at Home team were outstanding, even with the financial pressures they face. Nothing was ever too much trouble and staff were all out of this world.
“My granddad was only in the hospice for a few hours before he died. But in those few hours all of the staff we encountered were kind, caring and compassionate towards my granddad and to us as a family.”
Stacey said when she heard about the new St Teresa’s Hospice fundraiser she jumped at the opportunity to help.
“To raise money for St Teresa’s Hospice in granddad’s memory means other people can benefit from this invaluable support at an already tough time. Nothing will ever come close to how thankful we are but I will never stop trying.”
St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw said: “Moonlight and Memories promises to be a moving event as we come together to remember and celebrate the lives of our loved ones.
“We are so grateful to the support we receive from the community in these very difficult times for charities. Every penny really does count and help us continue our work for patients and their families.”
St Teresa’s Hospice relies on commercial, company and individual support to help raise the £3m a year needed to maintain services for the people of Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
The Moonlight and Memories Charity Walk, sponsored by Bannatyne Health Club and Spa, is the spiritual successor to the former Midnight Walk but is open to everyone, men, women, children and even their dogs.
Walkers will set off on Friday October 18 at 7pm around South Park and the streets of Darlington in memory of their loved ones.
A particularly poignant feature of the event will allow them to leave the names of their relatives in a special memory glow garden.
Entry fee is £5 or £10 with a commemorative t-shirt. Walkers can register on line now at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/moonlight or by email to moonlight@darlingtonhospice.org.uk, or can fill in entry forms available at St T’s charity shops or the hospice.