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Fundraisers set to complete Heart of Kent Hospice Moonlit Walk from Preston Hall in Aylesford

14:15, 18 September 2015

Time is running out to book your place for the Heart of Kent Hospice's Moonlit Walk.

Hundreds of people will put on their walking shoes and embark on an emotional eight-mile moonlit walk to remember loved ones this weekend.

Fundraisers will complete the sponsored walk tomorrow evening, while raising vital funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford.

Volunteer Trudi Godfrey who is walking the Moonlit Walk in memory of her dad who died last year.
Volunteer Trudi Godfrey who is walking the Moonlit Walk in memory of her dad who died last year.

The journey will be particularly poignant for Trudi Godfrey, from Maidstone, for whom the week marks the first anniversary of her father’s death at the hospital.

Retired Aylesford handyman Stuart Rolfe was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in August 2013.

But any hopes about his recovery were snatched away in July when he was told the tumour could not be operated on and that the illness was terminal.

Walkers will set off from Preston Hall, London Road, Aylesford
Walkers will set off from Preston Hall, London Road, Aylesford

Mr Rolfe spent his final five days at the Preston Hall hospice surrounded by his family, where he lost his battle in September 2014, aged 62.

His daughter Trudi, who is head of school at Newington Primary, said: “He had a big fear about the whole dying process and how the end was going to be, but the hospice really made him comfortable.

"He was worried about whether he would be in pain but that wasn’t the case, he was at peace and knowing that made it so much better for us. They don’t just give support to the patients, it is the whole family.”

The 1st Boxley Brownies completed the walk in 2013
The 1st Boxley Brownies completed the walk in 2013

The circular walk starts at Preston Hall at 9pm on Saturday, September 19, and ramblers will be invited to create a wall of memories with photographs and messages to celebrate the lives of those they have lost.

Participants will receive a fundraising T-shirt and will be able to buy tutus, boas and flashing bunny ears to complete their look.

Sarah Pugh, Chief Executive at Heart of Kent Hospice says: “Moonlit Walk 2015 is a great opportunity for the local community to come together to remember their loved ones and to show their support for their local Hospice.

In previous years fundraisers donned fancy-dress costumes for the walk
In previous years fundraisers donned fancy-dress costumes for the walk

"The money that we will raise will make sure that we can continue to provide exceptional care for our local community.

"Whether you have been personally touched by the Hospice, or are looking for something different to do on Saturday night, Moonlit Walk 2015 promises to be a great night out.”

Book online today at www.hokh.org or contact the fundraising team on 01622 790195. Entry fee is £18 for individuals and £126 for teams of eight.

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