Lanterns light up night sky for hospice walk

Hundreds of people stepped out at dusk on the first St Richard’s Hospice Lantern Walk to raise funds for the charity’s care of patients and families.

Two hundred and fifty walkers of all ages strolled the 1.5miles in the grounds of the National Trust Croome Park, illuminating the night sky with hand-held lanterns.

St Richard’s hospice fundraiser Kelly Johns said, “It was a magical evening as we walked and remembered loved ones or simply admired our magnificent local landscape. We are delighted so many people took up the opportunity to join the walk and we hope the event will raise around £8,000 for our care.”

As well as the lanterns lighting up the sky, areas of the house and grounds were also illuminated giving the walkers a unique view of the historic setting.  Walkers also enjoyed the wonderful sounds of voices of the VoxRox choir from Malvern.

On Facebook, Walker Tracy Hampton said, “It was a really lovely event, thank you St Richard’s for organising it...and thank you to the lovely people who sponsored my sister & me.  They have really generously donated £405 so far, and still going!”

Francesca Sheridan  added, “Such a lovely evening and a beautiful place too. The choir at the end was amazing too. Thank you to everyone that sponsored us as well, really do appreciate it, we managed to raise £700.”

The event was kindly sponsored by OCM.

St Richard’s has a number of fundraising walks, suitable for a range of abilities, taking place this year. To find out more visitwww.strichards.org.uk/events

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative and end of life care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones. Each year the hospice team supports more than 3,000 patients, family members and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

The hospice strives to provide the best medical, practical, emotional and social support they can to help people live life to the fullest, as independently as they can, for as long as they can. They care for people with a range of illnesses including heart failure, Parkinson’s, and motor neurone disease as well as cancer. 

St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it continue its work.

Find out more at www.strichards.org.uk