FAMILIES are being invited to Dorothy House in Winsley to take part in a memory walk to think about close ones they have lost.

The annual Memory Walk has been an event for the hospice over the past six years, inviting supporters of the charity to come together and walk the sponsored five kilometre journey in memory of relatives or friends who have died.

Anthony Nash, 69, of Norton St Phillip, said: “We have been taking part in the walk every year since it started. We lost our son Matthew eight years ago, he was a very inspiring young man, he and his wife and my wife and I received a lot of support from Dorothy House during his care and after his death. This is one of the ways that we remember him.

“He was 32 when he died of a brain tumour, but the care he received from Dorothy House was amazing. This walk is a very beautiful thing for families and people to take part in. You start at the hospice site then walk through the Limpley Stoke valley, it is just beautiful.”

As well as the walk, visitors will also be able to take part in a Tulip Tea which gives everyone the opportunity to catch up and enjoy the views of the hospice’s gardens.

“We started a Tulip fund with Dorothy House where you raise money and they update you every year on how much has been raised. All of the money goes towards helping the charity work. So far we have raised nearly £20,000, not just us but our colleagues, friends and family,” added Mr Nash.

The walk will be taking place on April 22, starting from the hospice in Winsley from 4.30pm. Entry for the memory walk is £12 for adults and £5 for children, with all under 16s being accompanied by an adult.

Julia Barratt, Tulip Fund Administrator at Dorothy House Hospice Care said: “The Tulip Tea and Memory Walk have been combined into one event this year for the first time. Both events were created as special opportunities to remember a loved one, meet like-minded people and support the Hospice. Last year the two events attracted over 260 visitors so this year we hope to increase the numbers by making it a more inclusive event to suit all the family. Whether you’d prefer to take part in the walk or the tea, all are welcome.”

Anyone who may be interested in taking part can register via the website at www.dorothyhouse.org.uk, entry forms must be returned by April 20.