HUNDREDS of fundraisers in the Chester and Ellesmere Port areas are getting set to sparkle in memory of someone special.

The 5K Chester Sparkle Walk, sponsored by Bristol MyersSquibb, takes place in June this year and local people are now sharing their stories on why they will be participating in the event, which is in aid of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford.

Pat Tuohy-Jones, daughter of Marjorie Tuohy who received care from the hospice, explained why she and her family are taking part in this year’s Sparkle Walk.

Pat said: “My mum came to the hospice in December and the care she received was amazing and couldn’t have been better.

“The hospice was an escape for us and we received wonderful advice from the nurses and doctors on what we should do and how to look after ourselves.

“At first my eldest son was upset, he thought it would be like an old people’s home. But once we arrived it was absolutely fantastic and we actually enjoyed coming.”

Pat and her family were at the hospice over the Christmas holidays and were delighted with the care and attention that the whole family received.

The Salvation Army band visited the ward on Christmas morning and played to patients and their families and the hospice team ensured everyone was well catered for with seasonal snacks.

“Although it was a sad time for us when my mum died, the whole process was made so much more bearable by the hospice," Pat added.

“We will be getting involved in upcoming Sparkle Walk on Friday, June 14 to give something back for the wonderful care she received from the hospice.”

Walk for someone special and sign up to the Sparkle Walk by calling 01244 851811 or going to www.tickettailor.com/events/hospiceofthegoodshepherd/226735.

Last year, over £60,000 was raised for the hospice and now the 5k sponsored night walk looks to be bigger, better and brighter than ever before when it returns on Friday, June 14.

Having just turned 30, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd has an annual running cost of £4 million where less than a third comes from government funding. The remainder is generated through fundraising, donations, events and corporate partnerships.