Hundreds of people remember loved ones in Rowans Hospice moonlit walk

The Rowans Hospice held its annual Moonlit Memories Walk with about 800 people starting the walk in Southsea at 11pm.

Families, colleagues and friends all put their best foot forward to complete either the six or 12-mile route raising thousands for the hospice.

Walking friends Linda Alloway, Angela Farren, Mandy Warner and Suzanne Lewis, all from Hayling Island, completed the six-mile walk.

Angela, 65, was taking part in memory of her dad John Smith who died at The Rowans Hospice seven years ago.

She said: ‘It was poignant to take part in the walk while going into Father’s Day. It is a nice chance to remember loved ones.’

Linda, 65, was walking in memory of her brother David, 57, who died a year ago on Saturday.

She added: ‘It is very special that we can complete the walk on this day for him.’

Debbie Hulbert, from Charter Cutting Company in Emsworth, encouraged her staff to take part in the walk.

It was the first time the business has taken part although Debbie has been doing it for the last four years.

She said: ‘We are walking in memory of my mum Peggy Sparks who died two years ago.

‘Even before she died, I took part in the event because what The Rowans does is fantastic.’

The company has raised £2,000.

The walk takes participants through Southsea and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard towards Old Portsmouth. On the way, the walkers can light a candle at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral.

Friends Angie Day and Margaret Varlow, from Gosport, were walking in memory of Angie’s son Daniel. He died aged 32 at The Rowans Hospice.

Angie said: ‘This is such a lovely event and this is the second time we have done it. It is fantastic for The Rowans to hold it every year.’

Margaret added: ‘Events like this help keep The Rowans going.

‘It would be hard for them to carry on if it wasn’t for people helping to raise money.’

They raised £1,200.