WINSTON’S Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK, is honoured to join in the Churchill 2015 Commemorations by boarding the Havengore for a replication of the journey which saw Churchill’s coffin carried down the Thames in 1965.

Churchill 2015 is a unique international celebration of the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, fifty years after his death.

On the January 30, Catherine Ind, Head of Regional Development at Winston’s Wish will proudly take part in the Winston Churchill River Thames Commemoration, starting at Tower Bridge to the sound of bagpipes and culminating in a short service and wreath laying in the waters of the River Thames opposite the Palace of Westminster.

Participation in this historic event is particularly poignant for Winston’s Wish and offers an opportunity for the charity to celebrate its heritage.

Winston’s Wish was established after founder, clinical psychologist Julie Stokes, visited the USA and Canada on a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship.

Inspired by the services she saw there, she returned to the UK and set up Winston’s Wish in 1992.

Over 20 years later, the charity supports more than 30,000 bereaved children and young people each year.

Catherine Ind commented:

“It is an honour for us to be part of this unique celebration to commemorate Churchill’s achievements. Our core belief is that all bereaved children should have support to make sense of death and rebuild their lives. Churchill’s legacy has enabled us to provide the high quality services across the UK that meets the needs of these children and young people, offering them a brighter future”.

Gloucestershire based Chris Ryland, who is Vice Chair of Governors at Stroud High School and also Owner and Operator of the Havengore, added:

“Sir Winston wanted to have a lasting legacy, and would want to connect to the good work of the organisations that his trusts helped to establish. We’re delighted to have Winston’s Wish involved in the commemoration – it is a charity of national significance”.

Churchill-related events will take place around the world throughout 2015 to commemorate his achievements; to highlight his vibrant existing legacy, to promote a range of educational opportunities and to bring his life and work to new audiences.

To mark the 50th anniversary, Churchill 2015 is planning to award a record number of 150 Travelling Fellowships, which brings the total awarded since 1965 to over 5,000.

On the day of the event, two passenger boats will be part of the flotilla (Thames Clippers and City Cruises) and sales from tickets will include a donation of £5 per person to Winston’s Wish.

A limited number of commemorative orders of service will be autographed by Winston Churchill’s great-grandson, Randolph Spencer-Churchill, with donations benefitting Winston’s Wish.

The money raised from the event will enable Winston’s Wish to continue to help children and young people rebuild their lives after the death of their mum, dad, brother or sister, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope.

For more information on Winston’s Wish, visit winstonswish.org.uk.

For more information on Churchill 2015, visit wcmt.org.uk/about-us/churchill-2015-50th-anniversary-events-and-activity.

For more information on the passenger boats selling tickets for the event, visit citycruises.com/winston-churchill-commemoration-thames-river-cruise and thamesclippers.com/whats-on-discounts/river-thames-commemoration-for-winston-churchill