FAMILIES taking part in Longfield’s Solstice Walk at the weekend on Minchinhampton Common were united by one cause – keeping the memories alive of loved ones who have died.

But many participants were saddened to hear that the charity had to fork out £400 to host the walk, after National Trust charged £1 per adult and 50p per child.

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 charity, formerly known as Cotswold Care Hospice.

Sue Teague, from Cirencester, along with her daughters Maxine Teague and Samantha Cloke took part as a way of saying thank you.

Longfield Hospice at Home nurses supported Sue and her family when they were looking after her partner Ken Twinning who died of cancer at the age of 49.

“The Hospice at Home nurses gave me respite care and meant that I could get some sleep,” said Sue. “They made such a difference to us.”

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.

Although they all enjoyed the special event, walkers were upset to learn that some of the money raised on the evening would have to go to National Trust.

The 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.”