Hospice in fundraising appeal after Solstice Walk cancelled due to Covid-19 crisis
Fundraisers from across the Midlands have been urged to help a Staffordshire hospice raise vital funds during the coronavirus pandemic.
St Giles Hospice’s annual Solstice Walk had been due to take place on June 20 through the heart of Lichfield, in Staffordshire, to raise money. But now fundraisers have been urged to form groups of up to six people to walk 10km, or 10,000 steps, after the event was cancelled.
Laura Fitzgerald, from Tamworth, took part in her first Solstice Walk in 2010 as she was being treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma – and is calling others on others to help.
Ms Fitzgerald’s grandfather Doug Brown, aged 88, from Lichfield, died from lung cancer after receiving end-of-life care at St Giles Hospice in Whittington last year.
Weeks later Laura along with her sister Sarah Brown, mother Julie Brown, godmother Cathy Calnan and friends Lucy Hill and Amy Hawksworth formed Team Dougie to take on the Solstice Walk in his memory.
Laura said: “The first time I did the Solstice Walk I was really ill with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, so it was nice to be able to take part in an event with my family and friends out in the open air.
"Then last year we wanted to thank St Giles for looking after my grandad and to support them for the outstanding work that they do. From the moment granddad arrived at St Giles he was like a different person.
'Forever grateful'
“Even when he was really ill, if he wanted to go outside they would fetch us a wheelchair and help him to get out onto the terrace in the fresh air and sunshine, which he really loved.
"We will be forever grateful to St Giles for what they gave to granddad. They allowed us to spend as much time as we could with him and helped make the time he had left so very special.”
The charity has launched Katie’s Appeal – the charity’s urgent response to the coronavirus crisis, as it needs to raise £850,000 per month.
Elinor Eustace, director of fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “The Solstice Walk is our largest and most popular fundraising event of the year and we were so sorry we had to disappoint everyone by cancelling it because of the Covid-19 pandemic – however, safety has to come first.
“Anyone can take part in the Solstice stroll – individuals, family household groups and small groups of six people or fewer, and it’s a fantastic way for all the family to enjoy the summer evenings while getting exercise and fresh air.”
For more information or To register, visit the website www.stgileshospice.com/solsticestroll
The event has been launched as part of Katie’s Appeal – the charity’s urgent response to the coronavirus crisis, with it needing £850,000 per month.
