Weston Hospicecare’s Midnight Beach Walk, which will be returning to Weston Beach on 30^th September, is an event that attracts women from all over Weston and the surrounding area, for all sorts of reasons.

Denise Ollett, age 57 from Weston-super-Mare, is walking with a group of friends and family members; Helen, Evie, Caroline, Jenny and Jean. Together, they form team Tiger Feet, and they’re aiming to raise funds for Weston Hospicecare to thank the staff and volunteers for the support, guidance and assistance Denise has received during her illness.

Denise was given the all-clear from cervical cancer in 2011, but in 2016, she was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer. Since receiving chemotherapy, Denise has made use of the services offered by Weston Hospicecare’s Wellbeing Centre:

“I finished my chemo in April 2017, and I am getting fitter every day. My cancer is not curable, but I am well now and intend to stay well. My family and friends have supported me throughout my treatment and I can’t thank everyone enough at Weston Hospital for the excellent care that I received and ongoing support from the Wellbeing Centre at Weston Hospicecare.

‘I have received physiotherapy exercise advice, reflexology and a facial. I have learnt a new craft and decorated a bottle for flowers and coloured a heart with all my family’s names on it. I had a lovely buffet lunch and endless cups of tea and coffee from the friendly volunteers who brighten up everybody’s days with their humour and helpful nature. The counsellor is always available if we needed to discuss anything. You can join in the crafts or even have your nails painted whilst you waited for your complementary therapy if you wanted, or if you want to just sit and relax or go out in the garden you can do that, too.

‘The hospice is allowing me to build up my confidence to return to work and gives me the ability to ensure that I stay as healthy as I can to remain strong [enough to] enjoy my life and my family. Having cancer twice is just an inconvenience and not anything to prevent me from enjoying my life, my family and time with my friends.”

Denise is just one of the many inspirational women who will be joining us for our Midnight Beach Walk on 30^th September. Team Tiger Feet are grateful to all their friends, family, and employers who have already sponsored them for the event, and they’re looking forward to raising even more in the weeks to come. This ladies-only event is a sponsored 5K walk along Weston beach, giving participants the opportunity to walk in memory of a loved one, or just the chance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the walk with a group of friends. On the night, there will be the opportunity to purchase a variety of glowy merchandise from one of our stands, as well as the chance to personalise your own candle bag to light up the start of the walk.

‘We’re delighted to have the Grand Pier as sponsors of our Midnight Beach Walk again this year,’ said Kelsey Dehaney, event fundraiser at Weston Hospicecare. ‘The whole evening is a really special event in the calendar for Weston Hospicecare, and we welcome all women to join us as we light up the dark for hundreds of local people.’

To sign up, or for more information, please visit www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/midnight or call 01934 423 960.