Walk This Way! Demelza brings back epic walking challenge

by | Apr 13, 2021 | Children, Dartford Charities, Dartford News

Need to boost those fitness levels and lose those lockdown pounds, whilst adding pounds to your local children’s charity? What better way than to sign up to Walk This Way which has launched in support of Demelza Hospice Care for Children, whose work is a lifeline to over 750 children, young people and families throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex?

The walk, which will take place on Saturday 11 September, will see supporters take on the journey from the Demelza hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent, to its hospice in Eltham, South East London – a distance of 65K – while raising funds for the charity whose income has taken a huge hit as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. And if 65K is a step too far, then why not pick up the challenge in Gravesend at the half way point?

The event originally ran successfully from 2015 until 2017 and has been revived this year.

Hayley Richardson, Deputy Director of Fundraising at Demelza, said: “As lockdown restrictions lift, we are re-introducing some of our events in an effort to recoup some of the funds we have lost over the past 12 months – funds that are vital to provide services for those children with terminal or serious conditions and their families that we support. We urgently need to make up the shortfall in income to ensure we are still here for all of those families that need us.”

Demelza will be raising funds to support families like the Spinners, from Whitstable. Dennis, who turned five in December last year, is the youngest of five siblings, has Down’s syndrome and a multitude of other serious health problems which make him extremely vulnerable. Mum, Helen, said: “Demelza has done a fantastic job through lockdown, adapting its services online and offering Friday ‘coffee and chat’ sessions for me, as well as music therapy for Dennis and the opportunity to attend the Little Dots under 5s play sessions which he loves. Demelza has been a lifeline to us.”

To make sure Demelza can continue to offer outstanding care and emotional support to families across South East London, Kent and East Sussex, why not sign up for the event at www.demelza.org.uk/walkthisway, put your best foot forward and raise money for a fantastic cause!

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk, follow the charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/demelzahospice or @demelzahospice on Twitter

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