FAMILIES taking part in Longfield’s Solstice Walk were united by one cause – keeping the memories alive of loved ones who have died.
More than 350 walkers and dogs completed the 5km or 10km circular Solstice Walk across Minchinhampton Common. They raised at least £23,000 for the hospice charity.
Kelsey Bliss’ family took part to remember the 23-year-old who died in July last year following a lung transplant.
Longfield supported Kelsey who had cystic fibrosis and her family.
“She described it as a space where she could be herself, where she could say what she thought and no one felt sorry for her,” said her mother Teresa Dougherty.
After completing the walk, families enjoyed food and live music at Longfield in Burleigh Lane.
They also spent time in the memory garden leaving ribbons in tribute to loved ones who have died.
Walkers were upset to learn that some of the money raised on the evening would have to go to National Trust.
The National Trust is charging Longfield £1 per adult and 50p per child for using the Common. It was also going to charge the charity a £250 licence fee but Longfield fundraising staff managed to convince the Trust to drop the fee for this year.
Allie Hogsbjerg, head of fundraising at Longfield, said the fee would eat into much-needed proceeds.
She said: “We will now have to pay National Trust about £400. That may not seem much to a larger charity but that money would have helped pay for 16 hours of Hospice at Home nursing care supporting families whose loved ones want to die at home. It just seems a bit of a shame.”
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