Carly & Siobhan's Story: Celebrating Anita

Last year was the first time cousins Carly & Siobhan took part in Moonlight Walk to support close friends. They are both walking this year in memory of their Nanny Anita, who died in December 2023.

“I knew a little bit about Hospice in the Weald through friends, whose parents had been cared for at the Hospice in Pembury, and as a group we were looking for things to do to remember our loved ones, and to celebrate their lives, then we came across Moonlight Walk,” Carly shares.

Anita also loved playing bowls, bingo and adored being surrounded by her five children, 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Carly described her Nanny as kind, a great listener and someone that gave time to everyone she met, because she really cared.

Carly says: “We’d go round for Sunday roast’s and she’d put on a great spread for all our family, friends, anyone who knocked at the door! She loved a house full of people.”

Hospice care was a surprise

Anita’s wish was to be at home, surrounded by her family in her last few months, and when her GP recommended she be referred to Hospice in the Weald, Carly & Siobhan were shocked at the word hospice, and the thought of their Nanny going into one.

“It was a real panic to hear the word hospice, we just thought it was a place people go at the end of their life, to die,” Siobhan claims. “Our eyes were opened by all the other services that exist to support people to live, make memories and be comfortable. After speaking with Nanny’s care team, we were instantly at ease, and felt completely confident in their care and were so grateful for their support.”

“Nanny was very stubborn, even until the end she was fighting, she didn’t let what she was going through stop her from supporting her family and being there for every single one of them. She was such an incredible lady. The matriarch of the family. We couldn’t have asked for more from her, she gave it all.”

Precious family memories

During this time, so many memories were created, from sleepovers to decorating for Christmas, to Anita playing pranks on her daughter, daughter-in-law and granddaughters.

“We’d all be laughing with Nanny, our mattresses on the floor beside her, watching films, it was so lovely to be able to make some lasting memories with her at home,” Siobhan shares.

There were countless memories the family fondly look back on, like holidays to Portugal, Ireland where Anita’s husband Patrick was from, and weddings, but the most special time for the family was Christmas.

During the last few weeks in December, the family were asked numerous times if Anita was hanging on for something special, the answer was always Christmas. She was determined to spend Christmas with her family, surrounded by love. And she did just that. Later that day she closed her eyes for the last time.

Carly says: “Nanny making it for Christmas and spending the whole day with us showed us what incredible strength and fight she had and making sure she got what she wanted.

“From the moment Nanny got sick, there was one thing that she said, that has stuck with us. ‘You’re allowed to cry, because although they are sad tears, they are tears of love.’ Those words have stuck with us ever since losing Nanny, they are so true and mean so much to us.”

She continues: “This year we’re going all out, bigger and better with our outfits, Rainbow leg warmers, glitter, and tutus. Make sure to look out for us!”

Carly and Siobhan, along with their family and friends are taking on the 13-mile route this year, after completing the 8 mile in 2023. They’ve set themselves a new challenge that won’t go without a few stops along the way for a G&T, or sweet treat.

Join Carly, Siobhan and hundreds of others at this years Moonlight Walk… sparkle and glow through Sevenoaks and Knole by signing up below!