THE Cheshire-based Hospice of the Good Shepherd is encouraging people to register now for Chester’s fourth Sparkle Walk, before early bird registration offers end on April 30.

The 5K sponsored walk is taking place on Friday, June 17 and local people are now sharing their stories on why they will be participating in the event.

Lisa Walker has taken part in the Hospice Sparkle Walk since it began and is sharing her story on why she is taking part in the event again this year.

She said: “In 2017 my nan, Jean Brown, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer with 3-6 months to live.

"Before the diagnosis she lived a full life with her dog and active social life but the diagnosis was like switching on a light switch for the disease to take over.

"After a lengthy stay in hospital, my nan was placed in the hospice where she was at peace. It gave us all the chance to just be a family and have those last few days by her side. Staff were there and would check on us every hour and nothing was ever too much trouble.

"The hospice not only cared for my nan, they also looked after us too. And at the end, we were able to spend as much time as we wanted to let her go. Everything from day one until the end was explained to us.

"Although my nan never knew how long she had left, she did not suffer when she was at the hospice; she just looked peaceful and was pain free.

"The hospice is a wonderful place and needs to stay open for others to benefit. I have taken part in all the Sparkle Walks with my family. It is an annual event, a nice way to remember my nan and raise money for such a worthy cause.”

Nicola Suggitt, community and events fundraiser, said: “We really appreciate Lisa’s continued support taking part in the Sparkle Walk.

"Last year the Sparkle Walk raised £27,000 for the hospice and we hope to do this again this year! It is always a very special event for the community to come together to remember a loved one whilst adding some sparkle to the streets of Chester.”

Early bird tickets are on sale now until Saturday, April 30. You can register for the event and take advantage of the discounted ticket price by registering at www.hospicegs.com/sparkle or call 01244 851 811.

Participants will receive a fundraising pack, a unique T-shirt to don during the walk, and will also receive an exclusive 2022 medal on completion. 

The Hospice, which is not part of the NHS, receives only 25% of its income from government funding meaning it has to raise just over £3 million each year from donations, fundraising events and charity shops which are now all on hold.

For over 30 years, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd has provided end of life care to patients living with life limiting conditions from Chester, West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port. They provide a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre which provides day support to help patients maintain their independence and to stay at home longer as well as bereavement support for both adults and children across the catchment area whether or not the death of their loved one was connected to the Hospice.