If you’re still deciding whether to talk part in this year’s Moonlight Beach Walk, we’ve asked a few of this year’s participants to explain why they will be joining us to light up the night on Saturday 14th September and why you should join us too.
Trisha
Trisha is taking part in the Moonlight Beach Walk this year in memory of her sister Eve Lauder, a well-known and loved member of the Weston community.
Trisha explained: “Weston Hospicecare is very close to our family’s hearts. They supported my sister Eve during her illness and have continued to support us since she passed.”
Trisha’s sister Eve was cared for by Weston Hospicecare after she was diagnosed with Stage Four Goblet Cell Cancer. Eve was able to experience some memorable moments that meant a lot to her and her family, including a bucket list item of wanting to go on safari. The Hospice team made her dream a reality, by sending her on a trip to Port Lympne, where she was able to create lasting memories with her family. Eve herself said of the experience: “Weston Hospicecare arranged with Port Lympne a hotel for me, my daughter and grandson to go to a safari for 2 days staying overnight in a lodge with a safari experience! I haven’t stopped crying since they told me yesterday. What an awesome act of kindness to give. You will never know how much it means to me and how special you have made me feel.”
Trisha has encouraged others to join her at the Moonlight Beach Walk this year saying: “I’ve never done the Moonlight Beach Walk before but I’m really looking forward to meeting and talking to people who are in the same position as me.
“Without the support from us, the local community, Weston Hospice would struggle and not be able to go above and beyond for those in their care, like they did for Eve. I’ll be there, walking in memory of my wonderful sister and to support this amazing charity, so please come along and join us.”
Gemma
Gemma is a regular participant in Weston Hospicecare fundraising challenges, having also recently taken part in the Wedmore 40/30. Gemma explains why she will be taking part in the Moonlight Beach Walk and how Weston Hospicecare have supported her family : “I signed up to the beach walk with my sisters and nieces as we have recently lost my sister in law (partner’s sister) after a short battle with lung cancer.
“From my first contact with Weston Hospicecare when I was getting concerned that we weren’t going to be able to continue caring for her at our home, I knew that they would do everything they could to help us. Gwen, part of the Hospice’s Community Team, came to visit us the day after I first called and she was so caring and understanding and made a call to get her a bed in the hospice. From the moment she was taken in, she felt so much safer and knew she was in the right place. She spent just over two weeks there, having her every need and more catered for, in the most caring and kind environment before she sadly passed away. The staff were so supportive and understanding and the hospice itself is just the best place anyone could wish for their loved ones to pass away in peacefully.
“I’ve always known that Weston Hospicecare does an amazing job, but until this first-hand experience we had there, I didn’t realise how amazing they were. I feel it is what my sister-in-law would have wanted, for us to continue raising funds for them wherever we could.
“I’d say to anyone thinking of taking part to come and join us! It’s going to be a fun event, with likeminded people wanting to raise money for this amazing cause.”
Sarah
Sarah, a regular participant and part of a team from event sponsor Howards Motor Group explained: “I’ve completed the Moonlight Beach Walk on a number of occasions for Howards, it’s an amazing event and the atmosphere is incredible!
“Please come along and join us, you’ll have such a great evening with like-minded people and most importantly, you can raise money for a most amazing local charity, they need those funds to make a difference!”