Our friends at www.thameshospice.org are busy working away on this year’s “Walk to Remember” event. It’s a fantastic sponsored walk on Saturday June 15th covering either 6.5 miles or (for the hardcore amongst us) 13 miles around the streets of Windsor to raise money for a very worthy cause. I took part last year, dragging myself out of my bed ready for a 6am start in cold September and managed to raise over £600.
Thames Hospicecare are one of my favourite clients but that’s not why I wanted to support them… I have a very personal interest in this amazing charity. The support and care that they offered my family when we were losing my Granddad to cancer was invaluable. The work they do simply staggers me, it was a very dark time made easier by their ongoing support and assistance. In short I wanted to give something back. So this year, buoyed by the rumours of free parking and a post walk bacon butty, I’m back to do it again. I nabbed organiser extraordinaire Michelle Bowdidge and quizzed her on this amazing event and what it means to Thames Hospicecare, here’s what she had to say:
Hayley: Hello Michelle – thanks for taking the time to speak with us today. How long have you worked for Thames Hospicecare?
Michelle: 4 ½ years (she wastes no time sugar coating her answers)
Hayley: I am excited to have signed up again for this year’s “Walk to Remember”. Where did the inspiration for this event come from?
Michelle: We were looking for a way for people to enjoy a morning stroll but also have time to reflect, we had previous success with a Sunrise Walk we used to do. The walk is a great way to bring people together in a relaxing environment where they can support the hospice with their efforts.
Hayley: What changes can we expect to see to this year’s event?
Michelle: There will be free parking, an inside start and finish, more of the route in the Great Park and a bacon roll (or vegetarian alternative) all changes we have made from feedback from last year’s event.
Hayley: What will you do with the money raised?
Michelle: It will go towards the work of Thames Hospicecare, maintaining free of charge palliative care services to the local community. You can find out more about the work we do and where the money goes here: http://www.thameshospicecare.org.uk/Our-services/Our_Services
Hayley: How can people get involved?
Michelle: They can either register online at www.thameshospicecare.org.uk or call 01753 848963 to receive a hard copy form in the post. If you don’t want to walk we are still looking for some marshals to line the route and cheer on the walkers, email michelle.bowdidge@thameshospicecare.org.uk for more details.
Hayley: What other events does THc run in the community?
Michelle: We do a range of events from a Summer Fayre at Windsor Girls School on Saturday 6th July to a Santa Dash in November and many other exciting opportunities to get involved. Take a look at www.thameshospicecare.org.uk for more information.
Hayley: What advice would you give to anyone attempting to do the walk this year?
Michelle: Please come along whether it is for the 6.5 or 13 mile walk there will be lots of like minded people raising money for Thames Hospicecare. All we ask is that you raise as much as you can. We would love to see you there!
So there you have it, a great event for an even greater local charity. Get involved as a walker, a volunteer or a sponsor, your contribution really will make a difference.
Should you wish to – you can sponsor me here www.justgiving.com/hayleyandverity. Thank you!
Mid way round last years walk I stop to have a croissant – you can tell I’m taking this seriously