September is traditionally the month where thousands of people come together for ellenor’s popular Twilight Walk, walking the streets of Gravesend to celebrate and remember someone special as well as to honour the work of ellenor’s staff and volunteers, who make a huge difference to thousands of lives every year.
Despite the difficulties caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, over 230 adults and children took part in ellenor’s first Virtual Twilight Walk, walking their way and raising a staggering £25,000 for ellenor hospice. The virtual walk replaced the event planned to be held in Gravesend’s Cyclopark and concluded with an online streaming event with music and entertainment to share with all the family.
ellenor is a charity that supports those coping with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The Covid-19 crisis has added an entirely unprecedented range of fears and challenges to their lives, and a new dimension to the importance of the care that ellenor offers.
Emma Bowles Interim Events Fundraising Manager says “The Twilight Walk has always been our most popular fundraising event, raising tens of thousands of pounds for those living with life-limiting or terminal illness. We understand times are very hard for many and we are hugely grateful for every gesture of support.
“Like many charities, ellenor has had to adapt to the world of virtual or online events to ensure that we can continue to raise vital funds throughout the pandemic. We remain as grateful as ever to our loyal and generous supporters for their continued commitment to ellenor hospice and thank our Kent community for their generosity. Thanks to all your support our care service can serve our community as it does – helping families to have the dedicated, expert specialised care they need.”
Suzie Hammond has been taking part in the Twilight Walk for 6 years now, to celebrate the lives of her dear friend and Mother-In-Law who were both supported by ellenor hospice in their final days. Suzie said: “Over the years, our group has expanded from just my 3 friends and me to last year when 14 of us took part – including 6 kids and a dog!
“The walk holds particular significance for my family as my Mother-In-Law passed away in the same week that our son was born and so it is a special way for him to remember his Nanny even though he never met her. He has taken part in the walk with us since he was 5.
We are very proud to support ellenor by taking part in the Virtual Twilight Walk and have managed to collectively raise over £3000!”
The total stands at £25,000 with donations still flooding in.
If you would like to take part in an event and fundraise for ellenor please click here https://ellenor.org/events or contact 01322 626509.