St Christopher’s holds ‘Fun Walk’ to fundraise for children’s hospice this May

A family fun walk on May 19 will raise funds for a hospice.

Lewisham resident Judy Debenham, who has worked at St Christopher’s Hospice, Candle, for 11 years, says fundraising will help her and her colleagues keep making a difference to families who need support.

Judy said: “By taking part in Fun Walk you are making sure that we can be here to support the children, young people and families where you live.

“Sometimes families refer themselves for help, but we also work closely with other agencies like schools and social services.

Candle works with any child who is bereaved and who needs support, however the death was caused.

“What we see is that communication is crucial and our role is often to help children and families to talk through their feelings of loss and grief, which are natural but sometimes hard to express.

We try and lessen the distress and help people find easier ways of living with the difficult situation that they are struggling with.

Please sign-up to Fun Walk to ensure that we can be there for your friends and neighbours, too.”

The Fun Walk starts and finishes at Keston Common. The common will be alive with fairground stalls, children’s games, live music and refreshments.

Fancy dress is not compulsory but prizes are awarded for the best costumes and in the past The Simpson family, the Thunderbirds and characters from the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party have all taken part in the spring-time ramble.

Many walk in memory of someone close to them who has died, proudly wearing customised T-shirts and raising money for St Christopher’s.

There are four route options to suit different ages and abilities – from three, five, eight and 11 miles – and plenty of rest and refreshment points along every route.

To cover costs, Fun Walk entry is £10, but children aged 12 and under can join in for free (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult or guardian).

The start and finish of the event is at Keston Common, Keston, Kent.
To sign-up, visit www.stchristophers.org.uk/funwalk.