NEW Year may seem a little way off, but fundraisers at Prospect Hospice are already calling for people to join them at their first fundraising event of 2013.

The Walk of Memories event is a five-mile sponsored walk which takes place around the Cotswold Lakes on Sunday, March 3.

The day gives participants a chance to remember a friend or loved one, or simply to enjoy a peaceful walk with their family in support of Prospect.

The circular walk, from the Four Pillars Hotel at South Cerney, will take about two hours to complete, following the footpaths and bridleways that run around several of the lakes, before ending back at the hotel, where there will be a hot drink waiting.

Among those who have participated in the event previously is Caron Lubin of Royal Wootton Bassett, who walked in memory of her husband Dave.

She said: “In 2011 it was very soon after Dave had died, but taking part gave us something to hold on to.

“It gave me, my family and friends a reason to get together and do something real and positive in Dave’s memory.

“It was important for me to take part in the event in 2012 too, to remember Dave a year on, and it gave us a positive reason to remember him with others who were also walking in memory of their own loved ones.

“I was glad of the opportunity for us all to remember Dave, and also to raise money for the charity which supported him at the end of his life.”

Sheryl Crouch, head of fundraising for the hospice, said she was hoping people would get involved.

She said: “The Walk of Memories is one of our more peaceful fundraising events – a simple five-mile walk through some lovely winter scenery to raise money for the hospice.

“We had some great feedback from those who took part last year, both from those who were walking in memory of a loved one and those who just wanted to take part in a walk with the family.

“We look after over 1,800 people from the community every year, in the hospice, at the Great Western Hospital and also in people’s homes, offering care, comfort and support to patients and their families.

“This costs £5.4m every year, 75 per cent of which we have to raise ourselves through people supporting us at events like the Walk of Memories.”

The walk is on varied terrain and is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead.

Registration costs £8 per adult and £2 per child. To register, go to www.prospect-hospice.net/walkofmemories. For further information on any of Prospect’s fundraising activities please call 01793 816161 or email fundraising&events@prospect-hospice.net