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A special Starlight Walk under starry skies.
Conditions could not have been more perfect for the East Cheshire Hospice event at Capesthorne Hall.
Beautiful evening sunshine lit up almost 300 walkers, many honouring the memory of lost loved ones.
Before dusk fell over a spectacular setting where walkers could enjoy moments of reflection.
The walk, sponsored by Adamley Textiles, raised thousands of pounds for the Hospice.
Tom Willis, catering manager at Capesthorne, was joined by mum Sandra Biddulph whose father Jack Key died in the Hospice in February. Jack (91) ran a haulage business.
Sandra said: “The Hospice made the whole family feel welcome. It was beautiful how thoughtful and kind they were. It made us feel he was in a safe place where he was loved.”
Vivienne Worrall and sister Lynne walked in memory of their mum June who died in 2017.
Linda Birtles remembered her dad Cyril Hartshorn, who died at the Hospice in 2003, while Liz Kelly was also honouring lost family and friends.
Sisters Elaine Alston and Christine Mothershaw enjoyed last year’s occasion so much they were back for more, joined by friends Peter and Linda Carroll whose respective mums Joan Carroll and Dot Dewin were very much in their thoughts.
Sylvia Lea, who lost husband Richard earlier this year, was supported by family and friends, including granddaughters Imogen and Hattie Shuttleworth who had sold off prized possessions to raise funds for the Hospice.
Hats in the colour of Wales were worn by Wendy Notman and her family. Wendy’s late dad Michael Finlow, who was proud of his Welsh heritage, was cared for by the Hospice in 2023.
Wendy also remembered brother Andrew who died last year, aged 59. Daughters Rhiannon and Kayleigh went along, plus granddaughters Ava and Ruby.
Wendy said: “The Hospice were brilliant with my dad who called the nurses his angels.”
Community and Events Manager Claire Gorton was thrilled with the turnout and the weather.
Claire said: “We’d like to thank everyone involved, including walkers, sponsors, volunteers and suppliers.
“The Events Village has been hugely popular and once again Capesthorne have been fantastic hosts. It’s one of our fundraising highlights of the year and a chance to engage with the community.
“It’s a fun, light-hearted event, though with a strong sense of sadness for many.”
