Hundreds gather to shine and support the Hospice at Moonlight Walk

Hospice in the Weald’s incredible community gathered in Sevenoaks on Saturday evening to walk under the stars for Moonlight Walk. More than 450 supporters – families, local businesses, and hospice nurses alike – took part, raising more than £162,000.

Walkers completed a variety of circular routes from Sevenoaks’ Rugby Club via the scenic Knole Park. Many were there in memory of loved ones and those receiving care, wanting to give back to the Hospice that provides free support for patients and families across Kent and East Sussex.

Walking in-memory of loved ones

“The Hospice’s team didn’t just give Zane medical care, they helped Zane to live even though he was dying – that’s something really special,” said Mart, who walked with his wife Mia and family and friends from Sevenoaks in his son’s memory. The group named themselves Zane’s Warriors, after Zane who was cared for at the Hospice before his death last November.

Mart added: “I thought, if Zane can go through 16 rounds of chemo and 28 days of radiotherapy and an 11-hour surgery, we can walk 13 miles.” The Hospice’s team helped to organise Zane’s 19th birthday party with family and friends on the Ward and brought Christmas forward to ensure he could make the most of the time he had left.

Jo and Amy also took part on Saturday, and they were among Hospice in the Weald’s nursing team who cared for Zane. “It’s a special event. We enjoy being surrounded by the families of those we support and being able to take steps for the people who can’t,” said Jo.

Chris and Megan, father and daughter, accompanied by Megan’s partner Brett, also wanted to give back to the Hospice. It provided care for Chris’ father several years ago, and is now caring for his wife Kerry. “We want to do Moonlight Walk to say thanks to the Hospice for what they are doing to support my Mum,” said Megan. “Mum initially attended Living Well – she really liked the water colour classes.

group of people in knole park at moonlight walk

Community support

“She has a condition called PSP, like Parkinson’s, which means she is now bed bound and non-verbal. The Hospice’s Outreach team are now supporting her and have helped us to get the equipment she needs to receive care at home. They are always there if we need them.”

Hospice in the Weald was named as one the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Victoria Granville’s, Mayoral charities of the year. As a special guest at the event, in her speech to the crowd, Cllr Granville acknowledged the fundraising efforts of Cllr Nick Varley, who is receiving support from the Hospice and led a group of Sevenoaks councillors and friends to take part.

This year’s sponsors, Kent-based housing developer Canham Homes, went the extra mile and entered a team to raise funds and take part in Moonlight Walk themselves. “We’re incredibly proud to take part in the Hospice’s Moonlight Walk as a team this year,” Michael Canham, Managing Director, Canham Homes said.

“For many of us, this event is deeply personal, as we’re walking in memory of loved ones who received such compassionate and dedicated care from the hospice during some of life’s most difficult moments. Hospice in the Weald provides an invaluable service to local families, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to give something back and help support the remarkable work they do.

people in funky wigs smiling at moonlight walk

The impact of fundraising

“We came together as a team, remembering those we’ve lost, to raise funds to ensure others can continue to benefit from the same exceptional care and support in the future.”

Lisa Browning, the Hospice’s Relationship Fundraising Manager, said: “We want to thank each of the 455 individuals who braved the heat and the stormy skies to support Moonlight Walk on Saturday night. This is very much a community event, highlighted by the support of lead sponsor Canham Homes, that of many local businesses, and the army of volunteers who came together to make this such a success.

“Funds raised, combined with generous match funding from the Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation, brings the total raised so far to an incredible £162,846! Every penny raised means that Hospice in the Weald can continue to provide free care and support for those in our community at a time when they need it most.”

Hospice in the Weald would like to thank all walkers, supporters, and volunteers for their involvement in yet another fantastic Moonlight Walk. Our appreciation also goes out to the below organisations, businesses, and partners who all played a role in the success of this event: