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Walking for Winston’s Wish

   |   8th August 2011

Winston’s Wish, the leading childhood bereavement charity, is looking forward to its annual flagship event, the Sunrise Walk. The Sunrise Walk now in its third year is a ten mile route taking place on Saturday 17 September from Cheltenham Racecourse.

It is hoped that over 350 participants will take part in the walk raising vital money for the charity for bereaved children. Taking part this year are Becky Amor and her two children, Imogen aged 13 and Douglas aged 11 from Bishops Cleeve.

When Imogen and Douglas’ dad, Ray Long, died on 4th February 2000 from Motor Neurone Disease, their Mum Becky knew that the children would need some support as they grew up. At the time of their dad’s death Imogen was almost two and Douglas was just ten weeks old.

Once Imogen was three Winston’s Wish supported the family in their home, they received further support once Immi started school and Becky also attended the first pre-school group in 2004 with Doug.

Both of the children went on to attend the Winston’s Wish residential weekends where they were given the opportunity to meet other bereaved children in small groups allowing them to reduce their feelings of isolation, provide creative ways to remember their dad and help them face the future with confidence and hope.

“I’m not sure where we'd be without the help of Winston’s Wish and I'm sure that we will need them again as the teenage years approach. Doug has no memories of his dad and very few photos as he was so poorly for the few weeks he had with Doug” said Becky.

“We want to take part in the Sunrise Walk to give a little back in appreciation of Winston’s Wish help and support and it's nice to know that they're only a phone call away if any of us need them. The unlucky are lucky in Gloucestershire as we have access to such a great charity and local people need to be proud to support them” continued Becky.

Without the vital support of walkers taking part in the Sunrise Walk the services the Amor’s received from Winston’s Wish would not be possible. The charity relies on voluntary income to fund the £1.7million it costs to run the charity every year.

The start of the walk will offer participants the opportunity to take part in a colourful light parade to remember someone important to them, make a wish for the future or just to have some fun before the walk starts.

To take part in this special ten mile walk there is a £15.00 entry fee and each walker will receive a t-shirt, goodie bag and a well deserved hot breakfast. To sign up please register at www.sunrisewalk.co.uk or complete the application form which is available from the charity by calling the Winston’s Wish Fundraising Team on 01242 515157.

To help boost Becky, Imogen and Douglas’ fundraising efforts visit www.justgiving.com/immiandjenny

ENDS

For further information from Winston’s Wish please contact Susie Gallagher, Marketing Communications Manager on 01242 515157 or sgallagher@winstonswish.org.uk