Inaugural Memorial Walk raises £8,300

We are thrilled to announce the success of our inaugural Memorial Walk held on Sunday 23rd June. This heart-warming event saw friends and family members come together to celebrate the cherished memories of their loved ones whilst raising vital funds for the Charity.

The Memorial Walk welcomed participants of all ages, taking place in glorious sunshine in the picturesque surroundings of the UEA lake and Cringleford Wood. Participants embarked on a 5K or 10K walk, reflecting and sharing stories of those they came to remember, with others whose loved ones had also received end of life care at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Nearly 100 walkers joined the event, collectively raising an impressive £8,300 for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. The funds generated will directly support us in enhancing care for patients and their loved ones at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

Participants began the day with a welcome event at Colney Lane Pavilion, where they received charity T-shirts and pink card hearts, upon which personal memories were written and then carried on the walk.

The walk concluded at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, where finishers received a warm welcome from staff and volunteers before enjoying a barbecue, other refreshments, and the opportunity to share their experiences with one another. Many attendees expressed their gratitude for the chance to participate in this poignant celebration of life, which provided both solace and a sense of unity. The pink hearts with messages of love and support were hung in the garden, and a short ceremony with words of contemplation and prayer was led by the Revd Canon Nick Garrard, to celebrate the lives of those remembered on the walk.

Margaret Seely, whose husband Graham received end of life care at Priscilla Bacon Lodge in 2018, walked the 10K route and was cheered home by her sons and grandchildren. She said, “It made a huge impact on my granddaughters to see so many others who had also experienced loss, but were walking to celebrate life. Meeting up with other supporters, seeing old friends, and starting new friendships made my day. I was so pleased to play a small part in this wonderful event, and I will continue to do all I can for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity for the support which was given to Graham.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers and participants who made this event possible. Plans are already underway for next year’s Memorial Walk, which will take place on Sunday 22nd June 2025, building on the success of this year’s event.

“We are deeply moved by the tremendous support and participation in our inaugural Memorial Walk,” said Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. “This event not only celebrates the memories of our loved ones, but also reinforces the wider community’s commitment to the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity. Every step taken helps ensure that we can continue to enhance care for patients and their loved ones at Priscilla Bacon Lodge.”

The date for next year’s walk is Sunday 22nd June 2025 and you can register below.