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In 2005, keen long-distance walker and grandmother, Beryl Griffiths, walked more than 600 miles from Lowestoft to St David's Head to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). Beryl documented her walk and published a book entitled ‘Granny Trek’ about her adventures crossing Middle England and South Wales with her two dogs by her side. 

Beryl will be walking five miles whilst remembering her beloved husband Tony

Having raised over £200,000 from her Granny Trek, Beryl inspired hundreds of others from the community to join ‘mini’ Granny Treks, which too supported the work of CHSW’s then two hospices: Little Bridge House in Devon and Charlton Farm in North Somerset. 

Now, aged 80, Beryl is putting her walking boots back on and taking part in the charity’s Memories by Moonlight; an event in which participants can walk in memory of a loved one and join in a virtual Memory Ceremony hosted by CHSW on the evening of Saturday 26 September. 

Beryl will be walking five miles whilst remembering her beloved husband Tony who died in May this year and asking friends and family to donate to the charity in his memory.

Beryl said: “Tony and I were blessed with forty years together. This featured countless miles backpacking before tackling the JOGLE in 1995 - a 1,300-mile trek along footpaths from John O'Groats to Land's End with no backup. 

“The joys and trials of that four-month adventure bonded our already close relationship into a closeness only death could part. Although he couldn't join me on Granny Trek in 2005, due to ill-health, his unwavering support and innovative ideas were the bedrock of its success and I felt him with me in spirit every step of the 600 miles. The vast sum of money subsequently raised for CHSW was in no small way down to Tony.”

Kylie Gallagher, Community Fundraiser at CHSW, said: “We are honoured that Beryl is walking again for our cause and remembering Tony and their many happy years together. Anyone can take part in Memories by Moonlight; it is about remembering loved ones no longer with us and cherishing their memory. It’s not just for those who’ve been cared for and supported by CHSW but for anyone who is touched by the work we do standing with families and making the most of short and precious lives.”

Memories by Moonlight is not just for those who’ve been cared and supported by CHSW but for anyone who is touched by the work we do standing with families and making the most of short and precious lives

Beryl added: “My own dedication to the children's hospice movement comes from the good fortune to raise three children. Knowing the stresses and strains of caring for children who are well, it's impossible to imagine the devasting tiredness and tortured emotions of parents of such very sick young people, who they must lose so cruelly. 

“I've decided that I'll climb Brent Knoll with my granddaughter as part of the Memories by Moonlight event. This walk will be a perfect way to remember Tony, who spent his childhood years during the war living in East Brent.

“Some members of my walking group - Friends Walking Together - will be invited to join us and I'll have 'goodie bags' of cake in the boot of the car to give them at the end. They will be warned that a CHSW collection box awaits them and donations from non-participants will also be welcomed!” 

All funds raised from Memories by Moonlight will help CHSW deliver care to over 500 families from across the South West.

Everyone who signs up to take part in Memories by Moonlight will receive a beautiful memory pack in the post containing a candle bag, a tea light, a memory box and the Memory Ceremony service booklet. On the evening of 26 September CHSW will be broadcasting the ceremony live from its Little Harbour hospice in Cornwall, which participants are able to watch from the comfort of their own home. 

In addition, people will be invited to contribute to the Memories by Moonlight online dedication page - adding a loved one's name, photograph and a personal message.

Memories by Moonlight is kindly sponsored by National Friendly. 

To sign upClick Here.