St Mary’s Hospice’s Walk to Remember raised over £130,000 for the charity.

For the first time ever, the Walk to Remember event sold out, with £130,654 being raised making this the highest amount ever raised from a hospice-led initiative in St Mary’s history.

Melissa Dixon, Events and Challenges Manager, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible amount raised at this year’s Walk to Remember.

“It’s an event that truly brings our community together in such a meaningful way, and we never imagined that one event could raise such a phenomenal sum of £130,645.

“We’re deeply thankful to every single person who took part, whether they walked, donated, or supported in any way.

“It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a cause that touches so many lives.”

Walking as part of Team H’s Angels, Sarah Milligan was blown away by the event saying: “I originally signed up for the Walk to Remember in 2022, the year we lost our beautiful Heather Jayne to suicide at just 22.

“It was really important to us as a family to raise money for such a worthy, much needed cause, in memory of our H, having had friends that benefited from the service. 2024 was our 3rd year to walk.

“It is a very emotive evening, seeing the names of those that are being remembered on everyone’s T-shirts, though the atmosphere is not sad it is exciting, pumped up by the drumming band and everyone’s enthusiasm for such a good cause.

“I would definitely encourage anyone considering to sign up to walk, it’s not too difficult distance to manage, especially if you practice beforehand and I believe it’s important for locals to be supportive of the hospice service, as let’s face it, one day we may need the service ourselves, who knows.”

The funds raised will directly support the vital care provided for patients and their families at St Mary’s, where 8 out of 10 patients rely on voluntary income for their care.

Molly Wiper who took part in the walk, said: “I completed the Walk to Remember and there’s only one word to describe the night – amazing.

“The time and effort that goes into the event is so clear to see, from the live entertainment, fireworks, the bands, everything was just so special and made me feel proud to be a part of it.

“From humble beginnings starting off at the hospice and ending at Asda car park this event has come such a long way and will always hold such a special place in my heart.

“Everyone at St Mary’s should be so proud of themselves, I can’t wait to do it again.”  

Entries for next year’s walk are already open, to grab your place for Walk to Remember 2025 head to St Mary’s Hospice website here