In just under three weeks’ time, people will step out for a very special walk to celebrate the lives of loved ones and raise vital funds for their local hospice.
Walk to Remember – Bedford, sponsored by M&DH Insurance Services Ltd, will see people come together for a 5k walk on Sunday 10 October in support of Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, near Bedford.
They will walk along Bedford Embankment and through Russell Park, placing a poignant dedication along the way in honour of those special to them.
One of the walkers preparing to lace up her trainers is Hilary Holmes, 53, from Godmanchester. She will be walking to remember her dad, Dave Sharman, who was cared for at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2018.
Dave was a well-known figure to many in the local community, serving as a Sandy town councillor and deputy mayor. He volunteered for the RSPB in Sandy and the Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers, and also sang with the St Swithun’s Singers at Sandy parish church.
Since her dad died, Hilary has fundraised for the hospice to “give something back” in his honour.
She is preparing to participate in Walk to Remember – Bedford in October with her best friend Vicky by her side.
Her support hasn’t stopped there – Hilary also ran 5k at the 2021 Bedford Running Festival and is doing a virtual 1,000-mile walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats over the course of this year.
“I cannot thank Sue Ryder enough for the care they provided to my dad and us as a family,” said Hilary.
“My dad went into Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice from Bedford Hospital for what was meant to be a short stay while the doctors decided on the next steps for his treatment for pancreatic cancer. Dad knew he wasn’t going to get better, and made it clear that when the time came if he couldn’t be at home he wanted to be cared for at St John’s.
“On the first day he was in the hospice, I remember the lady who did the food asking him what he wanted for dinner. He asked what his choices were and she replied ‘You can have whatever you like.’ He enjoyed poached egg on toast that evening.
“Another time, he told my mum he had a shower. When asked how, as he was very weak by then, he said two nurses had been with him and had not left his side and put loads of talc on him. There were many other times that also showed the respect and dignity the staff gave to my dad.
“Not only did they look after dad with so much kindness and respect, they also helped us as a family. They listened and talked to us and checked we were OK. They made sure we knew what was happening and did so in such a compassionate way. There were a number of things the Sue Ryder Nurses did that just helped us get through such a difficult time.”
She added: “I wanted to give something back to Sue Ryder to show them how grateful we are for the care and support they provided us. It is also a way of honouring my dad. My dad did a lot for the local community and loved to chat with people. He was a true gentleman who loved his family and I am so proud to have been able to call him my dad.
“Raising money for the hospice has also helped me with my grief and has allowed me to move forward. Just getting out there for a walk really makes a difference.”
Ellie Burke, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Hilary, Vicky and her family and friends for their kind support. There’s still time to join them and sign up for our Walk to Remember – Bedford on Sunday 10 October. It promises to be a really special opportunity to come together to celebrate and remember loved ones who are no longer with us.
“We will meet at Everards Meadow in Bedford and warm up with a fun Zumba session. You will be able to listen to live music with performances from fabulous local musicians Bedford Brass and Woody and Walsh. This will be followed by a 5k walk along the beautiful Bedford Embankment and through Russell Park, with the chance to place a dedication to your loved one along the way.
“The funds raised will enable our doctors, nurses and staff to continue to provide compassionate and expert care and help us fill someone’s last days with love.”
Sign up now for Walk to Remember – Bedford at www.sueryder.org/walkbedford
Standard tickets are: Adult £12, child £7. Children under five go free. Family tickets (two adults, two children) are £30, and a team of six ticket is £60.
You can contact the Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice fundraising team with any queries by emailing stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org or calling 01767 642424.
