The countdown is on to Eastbourne’s biggest sponsored moonlit walk, and one family has shared their reasons for signing up.

Lizzy Evans and her son Bryn are supporting our Starlight Stroll on Saturday 12th September after their husband and dad, Laurie, was cared for at the hospice. “Laurie spent his final months in St Wilfrid’s before he passed away there peacefully a year ago,” Lizzy said. “The hospice means the absolute world to our family, and Bryn and I are doing Starlight Stroll to help give back to the amazing team who gave us so much during the most difficult time of our lives.

“The dedicated and incredible staff not only managed Laurie’s care expertly, but they also wrapped their arms and their support around us. They gave us precious, protected time together, and we were even allowed to take our dogs, Archie and Daisy, to visit whenever we wanted. Bryn and I were freed up to simply be there for Laurie as his wife and son. And most importantly, it enabled Laurie to have what I believe everyone should have – a peaceful, dignified and ‘good’ death.

“St Wilfrid’s relies very heavily on charitable support and donations to provide this extraordinary care to patients and their families when they need it most. We want to help ensure other families can receive the same comfort and care we did,” Lizzy added.

Our Events Manager, Beth Hillier, said: “Starlight Stroll walkers can choose to complete a 5 or 10-mile route along Eastbourne Promenade under the stars and lay a special lantern in the Italian Gardens to remember a loved one who has died, or simply to reflect on the work of the hospice. We present every walker with a special t-shirt and commemorative medal, and the money raised helps fund local hospice care. We’re very grateful to Whiteline and Team Frames who kindly sponsor the event.”

For more information or to buy tickets, visit stwhospice.org/starlight

Picture captions:

1. (Left to right) Bryn, Laurie and Lizzy

2. Laurie with dogs Daisy and Archie