Garden House Hospice: Super Sparkly Starlight Walk

24th September 2015

The stars were out in abundance earlier this month, when 500 plus people took to the streets of Letchworth on 12th September to walk in aid of the Garden House Hospice, as part of their 25th anniversary Super Sparkly Starlight Walk.

This year saw a record number of registrations for the Letchworth based hospice, which provides specialist care for people from across North Hertfordshire. Each year people walk to raise much needed funds for the Garden House Hospice, but also to remember loved ones.

“This year we have been overwhelmed with the response for places on our Starlight Walk, with 550 people registering prior to the night. There was a real carnival atmosphere at the start with many people dressed-up in costumes and dancing to the fantastic sounds of Toque Tambor, a Brazilian carnival drumming group based in Hitchin.”

Karen Rabjohn, Garden House Hospice’s Head of Fundraising

There were many local businesses supporting the walkers by offering them free water, sweets, energy bars and hand massages before they set off and donuts, tea, coffee and biscuits when they returned. There was also a fantastic warm up for all participants lead by Robert and Maureen from Zumba Fitness, Hitchin.

There was a sombre side to proceedings, however, with many people walking in remembrance of an ill or deceased loved one. This year there was a 2 minute silence before the walk was observed which proved very moving.

The Garden House Hospice’s target is to raise £40,000 from the Super Sparkly Starlight Walk; making it the biggest single fundraiser of the year.

Garden Square’s Nominated Charity

Garden Square Shopping Centre nominated Garden House Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2015 and has worked alongside the charity to raise monies via events, promotions and initiatives.

The Garden House Hospice opened its doors in June 1990 and serves the communities of Baldock, Hitchin, Letchworth, Royston, Stevenage and the surrounding villages of North Hertfordshire. Garden House is a registered charity and offers hospice care and support to patients from the community with a terminal diagnosis.

Volunteers play an enormous part in helping the Hospice to run smoothly and efficiently, giving their time freely working as part of the multi-disciplinary team and in support of fundraising activities. Services are offered free of charge to patients and families needing the support of Garden House.

Further details about the work of Garden House Hospice can be found by visiting www.ghhospice.co.uk or calling 01462 679540.