Rowans Hospice launch virtual Moon & Stars Memories Walk to help charity recover cash from coronavirus outbreak

A CHARITY trying to recover from financial losses in the pandemic has launched a virtual version of its most popular fundraising events.
By Millie Salkeld
Published 30th Sep 2020, 16:30 BST

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Moonlit Memories Walk 2019 for Rowans Hospice along the Seafront and Old Portsmouth - Pictured Chris Norris with Holly, Hannah and Owen Jordan-Norris show off their medals. Picture: Vernon Nash (160619-044)Moonlit Memories Walk 2019 for Rowans Hospice along the Seafront and Old Portsmouth - Pictured Chris Norris with Holly, Hannah and Owen Jordan-Norris show off their medals. Picture: Vernon Nash (160619-044)
Moonlit Memories Walk 2019 for Rowans Hospice along the Seafront and Old Portsmouth - Pictured Chris Norris with Holly, Hannah and Owen Jordan-Norris show off their medals. Picture: Vernon Nash (160619-044)

Rowans Hospice in Purbrook continues to face cash problems due to Covid-19, with it cancelling its fundraising events and closing charity shops for more than five months.

Now it has launched a virtual Moon & Stars Memories Walk for the end of next month, an event which brings together its Moonlit Memories Walk and children’s Starlit Walk.

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This aims to gives friends and families a chance to fundraise in memory of their loved ones, while restrictions to stop the further spread of the virus are still in place.

Fundraising and events manager Craig Willcock said: ‘Last year our Moonlit Memories and Children’s Starlit Walks raised over £120,000 for

the charity.

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‘We really do need your support now more than ever, to help us recoup these devastating losses.

‘We encourage everyone to walk with those living in their household or support bubble, whilst adhering to the latest government guidelines regarding social distancing. This means walkers must not meet in groups larger than six people for their walk.’

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In June the hospice, which provides palliative and specialist end of life care, launched an emergency fundraising appeal to help it survive.

The charity was only saved from closing its doors thanks to the government covering losses from a £750m pot.

The Moon & Stars Memories Walk is free to enter, with a suggested sponsorship target of £50 and a medal for those who achieve £50 or more in sponsorship.

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There will be a virtual Zumba warm up on the Rowans Hospice Facebook page at 5.30pm on Saturday, October 24 before the walk begins at 6pm.

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Children are encouraged to wear fancy dress and will receive a Memory Star to write a personalised in-memory of a loved on.

Adults will be given a t-shirt bib to attach to the back of their t-shirt, displaying the names of those they are walking for.

All walkers will also receive a packet of sweets and an LED candle.

To find out more visit rowanshospice.co.uk/moonstars and head to facebook.com/RowansHospice

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