PROSPECT Hospice is desperately calling on the people of Swindon to back its fundraising efforts by signing up to its upcoming Walk of Memories.

The annual event is due to be staged on Sunday, March 9 at Buscot Park, near Faringdon – a coup for the Wroughton charity as the venue is shut to the public at this time of year. Yet the 5km stroll has not attracted as much attention as expected and the hospice, as well as those who have received care and support from its staff, are strongly urging families to register for the walk.

Phil Hall, 69, of Grange Park, will be heading to Buscot Park next month in memory of his late wife Dawn, who died of cancer at the hospice three years ago at the age of 60. “Many people walk in memory of a father or mother and it can be quite sad to see kids walking it.

“But really it is quite a fun thing to do. It’s not hard work and it doesn’t test people physically. “People chat to each other and there is a warm atmosphere.

“It’s doing something really good for Prospect. I have taken part in the event in each of the last two years, and I feel that it is the very least I can do.” The father-of-one added: “Dawn’s last eight days included her 60th birthday which, in spite of her failing health, the Prospect Hospice team made into a really lovely occasion. “I will always be very grateful to them for it. It’s my way of giving back to them. They have to raise £4.1m every year and that’s a huge commitment.” Following Dawn’s passing, Phil joined the hospice’s bereavement support group. He made fast friends among the relatives left bereft after the death of a loved one. Since 2012, Phil along with other members has been organising a variety of social events and collecting funds for the charity. So far he has raised £1,800. Now in its sixth year, the Walk of Memories has collected more than £37,000 for Prospect and been held at a number of locations. Events fundraiser Genevieve Arney said: “We are delighted that this year’s Walk of Memories will be held at Buscot Park, and are very grateful that Lord Faringdon has made his grounds available to us for the occasion. “It will really be a peaceful and reflective walk.

“And it’s a nice way on a Sunday for families to go out and spend time together. “There will be a remembrance area where people taking part can light a candle.” The walk will start at 10.30am. To register visit www.prospect-hospice.net/walkofmemories People are also being invited to organise their own events, including pamper nights and coffee mornings, as part of the Adver’s 160 Appeal to raise £160,000 for Prospect by the end of the year. The hospice will hold a series of fundraisers in the coming months including Prospect’s Big Bike on Sunday, April 27 and the Starlight Walk on Saturday, June 28. For more details visit www.prospect-hospice.net