Seven mile Midnight Memory Walk for women in aid of Charlton Farm

WOMEN are wanted to join the Midnight Memory Walk to help the Children’s Hospice South West at Wraxall.

Last year the fundraising made £80,000 for the charity.

Mum Faith Tutton whose daughter Sophie receives care at  Charlton Farm was the first person to register for this years event.

She said; “My sister and I had a great time doing it last year.

“I'm keen to see the last few beds at Charlton Farm opened up and I know that we can only achieve this by helping to raise the much needed funds. 

“There are so many children that need the benefit of the respite at the children's hospices.

“And we can only achieve that by each doing our little bit. 

“Personally speaking, they give us so much and this is my way of giving something back.

“Looking after a child with a severe disability is more stressful and tiring than many people realise. 

“Charlton Farm is the only place where we can get a proper rest, not just for a few hours, but full-time. 

“For a few days and nights we are treated to complete relaxation in a homely environment. 

“We trust the staff to take good care of Sophie's every need.  

“They are fully aware of the difficulties life has thrown at us and are able to help us let go for a while, to trust them with our most precious possession, our child.”

Last year 700 ladies took part in the charity’s first memory walk raising over £80,000.

This year CHSW is asking supporters to join them once again on Friday, September 17, as they set off on a seven mile circular route taking in some of the Bristol’s greatest sites including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and Millenium Square.

CHSW is the only organisation in the South West providing specialist hospice care for families with children who are not expected to reach adulthood. 

Through its hospices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset, and eventually Little Harbour in Cornwall – CHSW offers respite, palliative, emergency, and end of life care to life-limited children and care and support to their families.

Each hospice is a friendly ‘home from home’ where the whole family can make the most of the precious time they have together:  as a result, the rooms are often filled with the sound of joy and laughter.

When the time comes, the hospices provide a comforting and familiar place to say goodbye. 

With the support of specially trained staff, families are cared for every step of the way; throughout the life of the child, through bereavement and beyond, for as long as they need it.

Charlton Farm head of fundraising Karen Edgington said: “We are thrilled that Faith was our first keen walker to register and we would like to encourage more women to join us on this fantastic uplifting event.

“Previous participants give testament to what a fabulous evening was had by all last year and we are hoping to smash last years phenomenal £80,000 total and have some fun doing it.”

Entry is just £12 and includes a T-shirt, goodies on the night, medal, a candle bag for the ceremony at the start of the walk, fundraising pack and light breakfast.

Many of the walkers with be wearing fancy dress and men can help too by volunteering to be night marshalls.

To register call 01275 866600, email midnight@chsw.org.uk or visit www.chsw.org.uk to register online.