MAGGIE Sage and her family strode out on Cotswold Care Hospice’s Solstice Walk to say thank you for the charity’s support.

They joined 480 walkers on the evening walk across Minchinhampton Common which raised more than £24,000 for the hospice charity.

Maggie received support from Cotswold Care while she underwent treatment for throat cancer.

“I thought the hospice was just for people at the end of their life. I was so wrong,” said Maggie.

“I was very lucky to be given a space at Cotswold Care which gave me focus on a weekly basis where I was able to talk to others in a safe and caring setting and come to terms with my condition and the process of my recovery.”

One of the youngest walkers was three-year-old Rupert Morrison, from Avening, who walked with brother Dermot, seven, and mum and dad.

“My dad is going through cancer so hospices hold a very special place in my heart,” said Pip Morrison.

“Hospice at home care is so important. When you’re facing death you don’t want to have to do that in unfamiliar surroundings and with strangers.”

Walkers could choose between a 5km and 10km route which both passed Winstone’s Ice Cream where many stopped for a snack and enjoyed the music of Uke Stroud.

They were welcomed back to the hospice grounds with a glass of Buck’s Fizz and enjoyed a bar, barbecue, live music and children’s activities.

Liam Catchpole from Stroud was walking on behalf of his mum and his step-dad. “Mum was looked after by the hospice. I wanted to say thank you.”

Each walker received a ribbon which they could place on an arch in the hospice garden in memory of a loved one.

Angela Pearce, from Stonehouse, placed her ribbon in memory of her 26-year-old daughter Vicky Wakefield-Heath who died of cancer.

“I cannot put into words the difference the wonderful staff at Cotswold Care Hospice made to Vicky, her baby son Spencer and myself at a very tragic and frightening time in our lives,” said Angela.

“For Vicky, she had confidence knowing the Cotswold Care Hospice at Home nurses would be popping in not only to help with her care but also to have a natter,” said Angela.

“I will always be thankful to them all for helping to make her final days less frightening and less stressful.”

To see all the pictures from the day click here.