fbpx

Mandy’s Robins to light up the night at this year’s Starlight Walk

June 2019

Fundraising

Our biggest event of the year will be back on Saturday 22 June when hundreds of supporters take part in the Starlight Walk, our annual walk has raised more than half a million pounds towards our nursing care since it first took place more than a decade ago.

Supporters dress in brightly coloured and glowing outfits for a night walk across Swindon, raising sponsorship money towards the care our nurses give to patients throughout the year.

Among the participants set to take part this year are the family and friends of Mandy Smith: Mandy spent her final days being cared for by the hospice, following a short illness, before she died in February 2019.

They have signed up to walk in memory of Mandy, and to say thank you to the hospice for the care their family received. Mandy’s family said: “Mandy was the definition of selfless and bravery. She was a beautiful person inside and out and always put others first even when she was ill.”

Her sister Lynn said: “Prospect Hospice was absolutely amazing, they made Mandy feel safe and loved in her final days. Mandy felt loved by everyone that looked after her. The staff made her last days so comfortable and made her feel that she was loved and special.

“The compassion shown towards Mandy and our family was heart-warming, everything they did for Mandy was truly outstanding and I will be forever in their debt.”

Mandy’s sisters Lynn, Kathy and Karen have put together a group called ‘Mandy’s Robins’ to take part in the Starlight Walk, which will include three of Mandy’s children, friends and members of Lynn’s walking group, making a team of eighteen.

They drew inspiration for their team name from when Mandy was in the hospice, as two robins came to visit every morning and sat on the bird table by Mandy’s window.

They will pay a special tribute to Mandy on the back of their event t-shirts. Lynn said: “We are looking forward to the event, it will be an opportunity for us to reflect and spend time together.”

Lynn has raised money for various charities over the years, and now wants to raise money to support the work that is carried out at the hospice.

Mandy’s Sister Kathy (pictured), recently trekked Mount Kilimanjaro with her husband Tom, a challenge that was planned before Mandy came into the hospice but something that Mandy wanted them to do.

They will continue to raise money for the hospice later this year by taking part in our colourful Run the Rainbow event, and hosting a quiz at Swindon Cricket Club to celebrate Mandy’s birthday on 13 September.

Our ability to care for the patients and families we meet each year is largely dependent on the support we receive from our community. Put simply, we couldn’t do all that we do without you.

See how you can help us fundraise by participating in one our events or challenges here

 

Back to News
Donate