Portchester woman completes Moon and Stars Memories Walk in Uganda for Rowans Hospice to thank staff for looking after her sister

HUNDREDS of people across the county – and as far as Uganda – have walked in memory of loved ones and to help a charity trying to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
By Millie Salkeld
Published 29th Oct 2020, 17:17 BST
Jenny Strathern, right, 65, who did a seven-mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie, left, from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.Jenny Strathern, right, 65, who did a seven-mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie, left, from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.
Jenny Strathern, right, 65, who did a seven-mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie, left, from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.

Each year supporters take part in the Moonlit Memories and Starlit Walk for Rowans Hospice and despite this year’s Covid-19 outbreak, hundreds headed out at the weekend for their own Moon and Stars Memories Walk to fundraise for the Rowans Covid-19 appeal.

Among them was Jenny Strathern, 65, who did a seven mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at the hospice in Purbrook back in July.

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Jenny,who was unable to return to the UK due to lockdown restrictions, said: ‘It was a great comfort knowing she was in such wonderful capable caring professional hands, where her immediate family could visit whenever they wished in spite of Covid restrictions.

Jenny Strathern, 65, who did a seven mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.Jenny Strathern, 65, who did a seven mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.
Jenny Strathern, 65, who did a seven mile walk in Uganda, where she currently lives, in memory of her sister Susan Laurie from Portchester, who had terminal cancer, and was cared for at Rowans back in July.
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‘The walk seemed like a great way to somehow ‘connect’ with those who had cared for my sister and supported her family, despite the miles that separate us.

‘It strikes me Rowans plays a vital role in the Portsmouth community and if I can contribute in any small way to ensure that it continues I am happy to do so.’

Back in June, the hospice launched its urgent Covid-19 appeal after facing losses of more than £1m since lockdown due to charity shops having to close and fundraising events cancelled.

Rowans Hospice AnMarie Channer, manager of the In-patient Unit and Hospice at Home Team, and clinical services PA Louise Forbes-SmithRowans Hospice AnMarie Channer, manager of the In-patient Unit and Hospice at Home Team, and clinical services PA Louise Forbes-Smith
Rowans Hospice AnMarie Channer, manager of the In-patient Unit and Hospice at Home Team, and clinical services PA Louise Forbes-Smith
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Desperate to help with the appeal was Sue Craig, who has completed several walks in aid of Rowans Hospice but last year was unable to take part due to having open heart surgery.

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The 74-year-old from Drayton was delighted to be able to walk six miles through the city to raise money for the hospice, where she volunteered as a patient hairdresser and in the coffee shop.

She said: Rowans Hospice is a lovely place, I have met lots of people while working there who felt that the hospice had supported them and given their loved ones extra special care.’

Sue Craig, who has completed several walks in aid of Rowans Hospice and last year was unable to take part due to having open heart surgery, did a six mile walk through the citySue Craig, who has completed several walks in aid of Rowans Hospice and last year was unable to take part due to having open heart surgery, did a six mile walk through the city
Sue Craig, who has completed several walks in aid of Rowans Hospice and last year was unable to take part due to having open heart surgery, did a six mile walk through the city

Staff at Rowans Hospice also joined in with the virtual fundraising event including chief executive Ruth White walked along Southsea seafront with director of people services and income generation, Carol Milner while AnMarie Channer, manager of the In-patient Unit and Hospice at Home Team, and clinical services PA Louise Forbes-Smith walked from the Hospice to AnMarie’s in Gosport and raised more than £250.

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Related topics:Rowans HospiceUgandaPortchesterMoon

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