St Mary’s Hospice is thrilled to announce that an incredible £130,654 has been raised during our Walk to Remember, making this the highest amount ever raised from a hospice-led initiative in our history. This achievement marks a monumental moment for our hospice, and it’s all thanks to the unwavering support of our community.
For the first time ever, the event sold out, with an outpouring of generosity and participation from individuals across our area. From the bottom of our hearts, we are eternally grateful to everyone who took part—whether by joining the event, spreading the word, or donating towards this life-changing cause.
We simply couldn’t achieve milestones like this without the dedication, compassion, and kindness of the people around us. The funds raised will directly support the vital care we provide for patients and their families at St Mary’s, where 8 out of 10 patients rely on voluntary income for their care. Every donation, every step taken in our events, makes a profound difference.
Sarah Milligan who walked as part of Team H’s Angels was blown away by the event. She said: “I originally signed up for the Walk to Remember in 2022, the year we lost our beautiful Heather Jayne to suicide at just 22.
“It was really important to us as a family to raise money for such a worthy, much needed cause, in memory of our H, having had friends that benefited from the service. 2024 was our 3rd year to walk.
“It is a very emotive evening, seeing the names of those that are being remembered on everyone’s t-shirts, though the atmosphere is not sad it is exciting, pumped up by the drumming band and everyone’s enthusiasm for such a good cause.
“I would definitely encourage anyone considering to sign up to walk, it’s not too difficult distance to manage, especially if you practice beforehand and I believe it’s important for locals to be supportive of the hospice service, as let’s face it, one day we may need the service ourselves, who knows.”
St Mary’s Hospice has long relied on the love and generosity of our local community, and this event has showcased the tremendous power of people coming together for a cause that truly matters. It’s this same spirit of compassion that enables us to continue providing the highest quality of care to those who need it most.
The funds raised will help us ensure that our patients live with dignity, peace, and comfort, with the support of our dedicated staff. With only one-fifth of our funding coming from the government, community efforts like this one are not just vital—they are the backbone of our hospice’s mission.
We are forever indebted to the wonderful people who continue to support St Mary’s Hospice. From the event participants to the volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible, your contributions are nothing short of remarkable. Because of you, we can continue to care for our patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments.
To everyone who played a part in this record-breaking achievement, thank you. Together, we’re making a difference that will be felt for years to come.
Melissa Dixon, Events and Challenges Manager, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible amount raised at this year’s Walk to Remember. It’s an event that truly brings our community together in such a meaningful way, and we never imagined that one event could raise such a phenomenal sum of £127,568.
“We’re deeply thankful to every single person who took part, whether they walked, donated, or supported in any way. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together for a cause that touches so many lives.”
Molly Wiper who took part in the walk, said: “I completed the Walk to Remember and there’s only one word to describe the night – amazing.
“The time and effort that goes into the event is so clear to see, from the live entertainment, fireworks, the bands, everything was just so special and made me feel proud to be a part of it. From humble beginnings starting off at the hospice and ending at Asda car park this event has come such a long way and will always hold such a special place in my heart.
“Everyone at St Mary’s should be so proud of themselves, I can’t wait to do it again.”
Don’t forget we’ve already opened entries for next year’s walk. With the success of 2024 we decided to launch the event early. Grab your place for Walk to Remember 2025 now before it sells out. All details and the link to sign up can be found on the events section of our website.