Brand new route for Prospect charity walk

Prospect Hospice’s flagship Starlight Walk fundraiser is returning on Saturday 29 June.

Hundreds of local people will come together 8.30pm to take part in either a 10km or 15km walk, illuminating Swindon’s streets.

This year, there is a brand new route that will start and finish at The Deanery CE Academy in Wichelstowe, with a stop in Town Gardens, Old Town where participants can enjoy a moment of reflection. 

Everyone is invited to take part and the charity is encouraging people to sign up with friends, family and colleagues for a fun night and raise much needed funds so that it can continue providing care and support to local people living with a terminal illness and their families. 

Kelly Douglas, who has signed up for the 10km in memory of her mum cared for by the hospice, said: "My mum received such compassionate care from Prospect Hospice during her final days.  

“Participating in the Starlight Walk is my way of honouring her memory and giving back to the charity that provided comfort and support when we needed it most. I hope to raise as much as I can as it’s such a good cause.” 

Last year’s event raised over £64,000 through registration fees and sponsorship for the charity, and the hospice team hope to raise even more this year so the charity can help care for more local people.  

Jane Farmery, inpatient unit team leader at Prospect Hospice, said: “We can’t thank our Starlight walkers enough for raising such an incredible amount last year. It has helped us to care for even more people in the hospice, provide therapy to help people live well and provide bereavement support for patients and their families.” 

There is an early bird entry fee of £12 for the 10km and £15 for 15km until Sunday 31 March. 

As with last year’s Starlight Walk, the hospice will have a donation station at The Deanery CE Academy, where participants can drop off their pre-loved goods and help raise further funds in its charity shops. 

“Starlight Walk is such a fun night and knowing that it's for such a worthy charity makes it even better,” said Paula Illes who is looking forward to walking the 15km route with her son. 

“While I haven't needed the hospice's services, I think it's important to support it now, as you never know what the future holds.

"It's all about coming together as a community to make sure that this vital care and support remains available for everyone." 

To sign up, people can visit www.prospect-hospice.net/starlight