A party atmosphere tinged with emotion made the latest Starlight Walk a memorable occasion.
More than 450 walkers gathered at Capesthorne Hall for East Cheshire Hospice’s flagship fundraising event.
The turn out was the biggest since the event resumed after Covid.
They’re off … walkers begin the Starlight Walk.
For most it was an opportunity to honour the memory of lost loved ones.
Like Emily Smith (38) who died in September. Around 40 friends, family and colleagues wore sunflowers, her favourite flower and the Hospice emblem.
Husband Adam, sons Orly and Arlo and Emily’s mum Jan Lakin were there. The family have already raised £21,000 for the Hospice.
Emily Smith’s husband Adam, sons Orly and Arlo, nephew Lucas and mum Jan with supporters.
Jan said: “It’s a bitter-sweet night as we remember Emily.”
Their group included Jayne Barnes and Clare Hurst whose sister Cath Thomas died last year. Her best friend Shelley Booth also took part.
Staff from the Spire Regency Hospital, an event sponsor, remembered Margaret Taylor, sister in the outpatient department.
Margaret Taylor’s daughter Ali (front) with staff from Spire Regency Hospital.
Daughter Ali Bates said: “There’s a nice vibe here and it’s lovely that mum’s colleagues have come together in this way to honour her.”
Radiologist Beverley Clifton-Parks was also remembering her mum Ivy Dyson.
Colleague Sara Sutton said: “I’ve done several walks and the atmosphere is always brilliant. Everyone is here for the same reason – to fundraise for the Hospice because we’ve all been touched by its care.”
Ann McLoughlin was joined by colleagues from law firm Bott and Co as she remembered late husband Kevin.
Superheroes (from left) Ann McLoughlin, Lauren Wood, Olivia Rebecchi and Harriet McCombe.
Musician Jonathan Edwards provided entertainment along the route. His late father-in-law David White was a Hospice patient.
Musician Jonathan Edwards entertains walkers at the fire pit.
Meanwhile, Georgia Leah held a tombola and raffle in the event village to raise funds for her trek to China.
She will always be indebted to the Hospice for the way it cared for husband Leon.
Georgia Leah (back right) with friend Hannah Middlebrook and their daughters Arlo and Ruby.
Juliette White, chair of the Hospice trustees, told walkers beforehand: “We’re privileged to look after your loved ones and your families. You trust us with caring for people at their most vulnerable.
“This evening is an opportunity for all of us to walk and remember those people we’ve loved and looked after and who we hold in our hearts. Thank you for your support.”
Pizza Principles and Andrew Smith Funeral Directors were other sponsors