Reaching for the stars

Over 700 people took part in the recent East Cheshire Hospice Starlight Walk.

Participants each received a candle and a pebble of remembrance to carry with them on their walk through the beautiful grounds of Capesthorne Hall, which featured an Enchanted Forest and a ‘Memory Lane’. Towards the finishing point, participants could decorate and personalise their own paper lanterns, to light the homeward straight to the Field of Remembrance, where they gathered after their walk and received their commemorative medal.

The Starlight Walk is an important opportunity for people to celebrate the life of a loved one, make new friends, and raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice at the same time. The walk caters for many ages and abilities, with this year’s entrants ranging from teenagers to those in their eighties. People took part in family or friendship groups, or individually. All the funding raised goes directly to support the vital services provided by East Cheshire Hospice.

This year’s Starlight Walk was particularly memorable as 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of East Cheshire Hospice. The walk had a pearl theme, in honour of the occasion. David, who is one of the Hospice’s Vice-Presidents, gave a short speech wishing all the participants well and highlighting the Hospice’s vital work, before setting them off on their moonlit walk.

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, who helped start the walk said: “It is a privilege to support this moving and inspiring event, which is a firm fixture in East Cheshire Hospice’s calendar, giving people the opportunity to reflect on the life of a loved one and raise funds for this much-valued local charity. As the impressive turnout demonstrates, the care and support that East Cheshire Hospice provides has touched the lives of so many people. It is an honour to be able to support its vital work going forward.”

Image: David Rutley MP with Lisa Ball, Karyn Johnston and Jack Layden, all Team Leaders at East Cheshire Hospice.