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More than 270 people took part in an emotional night-time charity walk at The Lost Gardens of Heligan on Saturday 9 November.

Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) Moonlight Memory Walk took place at the gardens in Pentewan near St Austell. 

The event has raised £32,000 for the charity, with money still coming in, which runs the Little Harbour children’s hospice in nearby Porthpean.

Participants, many proudly wearing hand written dedications to loved ones, joined a special memory ceremony, where their dedications to their loved ones played on screen. They listened to poems read by Little Harbour staff, a speech from Mike and Nicola Brown, parents of Oliver Brown who used the hospice in 2019, and a live performance from St Mewan Community Choir. This was followed by a one minute applause and silence.

The walk featured poignant places to stop and remember loved ones, where participants could mark their memory by lighting a candle, making a bracelet, leaving a name and message for their loved one in a book, and leaving a fingerprint on a canvas.

Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser for CHSW, said:

The evening was really magical; there was a lovely contrast of quiet contemplation and remembering alongside an uplifting atmosphere. The event provided an opportunity for those taking part to connect with each other and share happy memories.

Little Harbour provides free support to children with life limiting illnesses and their families, including respite, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support. The hospice also offers resilience stays, as well as support in families’ own homes.

Moonlight Memory Walk was kindly sponsored by CHX products, PKF Francis Clarke and Stephens Scown Solicitors, meaning that all the sponsorship raised on the evening can go towards the vital care and support offered to local families. The evening was also kindly supported by CTC Medical Services and The Cornish Oven.