Written by Maria Graham
Over the last 15 years an iconic annual walking event has taken place in East Devon to raise money for Hospiscare. I’ve often seen crowds of ladies in pink going by doing the Twilight Walk, and always fancied joining them. Although I’m fortunate to have never lost anyone to cancer, Hospiscare gave my Mum a lot of support when she was recovering from breast cancer, so the charity is always top of my list for supporting. And having to wear a lot of pink? That’s a bonus!
My friend and Ruby Fury photographer Nicky Price agreed to join me for the walk this year. Normally, hundreds of people gather in Exmouth for the event, but this time it went virtual, with participants walking a route of their choice for either 6 miles or 13 miles. We thought it was going to be just the two of us, but in the days leading up to the event things took an unexpected turn. My friend and Ruby Fury ambassador Hannah Warne told me she’d be in the area on the same day to run a 50k ultra marathon. And she wanted to join us for the 13 mile walk after her race! What a legend!
During the walk we passed several other people in their distinctive pink t-shirts coming the other way and exchanged words of encouragement. By the end of our 13 miles, we had sore feet and achy legs (especially Hannah after her ultra!) but lots of amazing photos and memories from the day.
Huge thanks to everyone who made a donation, and well done to all the others who took part. The money raised so far from this event could fund 181 home visits from a Hospiscare Community Nurse Specialist, 182 hours of expert palliative ward care and 254 hours of bereavement support.
Donations can still be made through my fundraising page https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/maria-graham6
Ruby Fury ambassador Caz Dart doing the Twilight Walk with other ladies from her gym.