Children will once again have the opportunity to take part in a special sponsored walk in aid of Rowans Hospice on Wednesday 25th October around Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and HM Naval Base.
The event, which takes place during the October half-term break, has proved very popular over the last seven years raising thousands of pounds to support people living in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire affected by life-limiting illnesses.
All children aged 0 – 16 years must be accompanied by an adult but an adult can accompany up to four children. The walk starts at 6.30pm and goes past HMS Victory which is illuminated in all her glory, into the Naval Base not normally open to the public and back to Boathouse No. 7 where all children receive a medal, snack and drink. For more of a challenge, there is a choice to walk the 1.5 mile route twice.
Everyone has the opportunity to light a candle in St Ann’s Church in memory of someone special and to make a memory star to place on the memory board. This is supported by Rowans Meerkat Service, including two Meerkat Mentors – young people who have experienced a significant bereavement and who were supported by the service themselves.
Georgia, who is now 19 years old, said: “Last year, I joined the Walk again but this time as a Meerkat Mentor volunteer. I spent the evening in St Ann’s Church with Amelia, another Meerkat Mentor, and helped to welcome the children as they came into the Church to display their uniquely created memory stars. The stars and lit candles looked beautiful and so atmospheric. I’m proud I can continue to be part of this very special event.”
Amelia, who is now 17 years old, said: “Last year, instead of taking part in the walk, I was there as a volunteer, based in St Ann’s Church. The best part of the evening was seeing all the children come into the Church and helping them to hang up the stars they’d decorated in honour of their loved ones; the display of stars was honestly such a touching sight. For me, this is a really special event and definitely one for lots of children to get involved with.”
It costs £5 to register a child and an accompanying adult can walk for free. For more information and to register online, visit www.rowanshospice.co.uk/starlit