Last weekend (Saturday, October 12th), Claire House Children’s Hospice held its second Lantern Walk. Around 650 people turned out to walk the 6km route from Seacombe Ferry Terminal to Vale Park and back, carrying lanterns along the way.
Georgi Watkins (aged 13 from Widnes) summed up the atmosphere when she said: “We’re doing this in memory of my brother Corey, and to raise money for Claire House. We’re looking forward to the walk and to the hot chocolate we’re going to have at the end.” Before he passed away, Georgi’s brother Corey used the hospice, and her younger brother Parker still uses its services.
At the beginning of the walk, people filled out name signs and if they wanted, were able to say who they were doing the event in memory of. There was a lantern decorating room at the beginning of the route and entertainment and activities along the way, such as the Wirral Samba Band, Wirral Pop Vox, and Vale Park was lit up by the Friends of Vale Park.
Despite the gusty conditions, the rain held off and everyone had a great time walking along Seacombe prom. Sisters Annabelle and Ruby Smith (pictured – both aged 8 from Wallasey), who decorated their own lanterns with pipe cleaners and brightly colored paper, said: “We’re here to support the children, and to support Claire House.”
The event raised £14,000 for Claire House Children’s Hospice that cares for seriously and terminally ill children and their families from across Wirral, Liverpool and beyond.
Matthew Tickle, whose son Luke comes to the hospice said:
“Claire House does so much for us, its nice to give back as a thank you. Luke loves his time at Claire House. As a family we see the ongoing care that Claire House offers. They also support those who have lost their children.”
The walk was organised in partnership with Eureka! Science + Discovery.
Event fundraiser Mark Pearson said:
“We’d like to thank everyone who made this such a great event. This walk has such a nice feeling to it, people turn out to have a great time, remember loved ones and raise money for a good cause.
“It was fantastic to see the lantern lights along the prom and that so many people came out to support their local hospice.”
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