A Droitwich family will take part in a hospice’s lantern-lit walk through parkland at Croome in memory of a relative close to their hearts.
Melissa Parkinson signed up for the St Richard’s Hospice Lantern Walk to raise money in memory of her grandmother Jane Howitt, who was cared for by the hospice.
The 41-year-old will walk the 1.5-mile route with her family at dusk on Saturday, 10th February, helping to illuminate the night sky with hand-held lanterns bearing LED candles.
The walk will be especially poignant for the family, as they last visited Croome with their grandmother in 2016.
“As a family we decided to complete the walk to support the amazing work that St Richard’s do within the community,” said Mrs Parkinson.
“Croome holds a very special place in our hearts as it was the last place we were all able to visit together as a family with nan before she became too ill.
“This will be the first time returning to Croome since our family day so I’m sure it will be a little emotional but also a time where we can remember and smile.”
Mrs Parkinson’s grandmother was cared for by St Richard’s both in her own home and at the hospice’s In-patient Unit.
“My nan received dignity, friendship and support – not only at the time when she was an In-patient but also through the Hospice at Home team,” said Mrs Parkinson.
“She also visited as a day visitor on a couple of occasions, which she loved as it meant she could escape the four walls of home – and all of us fussing over her!
“The service that St Richard’s provides is so invaluable and I cannot praise and thank all who are connected with it enough – without you, this period of our lives would have been far, far worse. You enabled us as a family to be able to make more happy, lasting memories.”
To make a donation to Mrs Parkinson’s fundraising, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/melissaparkinson2018
The Lantern Walk is the first of its kind hosted by St Richard’s, and will see parts of the route lit up – giving walkers a unique experience of Croome at night.
Kelly Johns, Fundraiser at St Richard’s, said: “We’re delighted Melissa and her family are taking part in our Lantern Walk. Their story is so moving, and we hope the evening will be a fitting way to remember their loved one.
“We’re looking forward welcoming everyone along to our first Lantern Walk – whether they’re remembering someone special, or just enjoying an atmospheric walk around the parkland, we’re sure it will be a great evening.”
Tickets are available for the Lantern Walk from strichards.org.uk/lantern-walk