Hundreds of men from Somerset and Wiltshire are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes for an inspiring charity event scheduled for 8 March. The event, a poignant 8-mile (12km) walk, has been a staple in the community for the past decade, providing a unique platform for men to share their lived experiences of grief and bereavement. Starting at the charity's hospice in Winsley, Wiltshire, the walk will conclude at Bath Pavilion in Somerset.
This annual walk offers participants a powerful experience, allowing them to connect with others who have faced similar losses. The charity organizing the event hopes to surpass last year's record-breaking participation of 550 men and raise more than the £105,000 collected previously. The funds are crucial for the charity, which provides free palliative end-of-life care to over 550,000 people in Bath, North East Somerset, and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
Mr. Varley, a spokesperson for the charity, emphasized the importance of this event for those dealing with bereavement.
"We've had men come to the hospice since the death of a loved one, to take part in the men's walk, and that can be really powerful for them," – Mr Varley
The charity's mission is to create spaces where men feel comfortable sharing their grief outside traditional counselling settings. Mr. Varley highlighted the significance of such initiatives.
"We know that creating those spaces is really important, particularly for men who don't want to come to our traditional counselling sessions." – Mr Varley
In addition to assisting grieving family members, the charity focuses on ensuring patient comfort during end-of-life care.
"We know that family members of people who are experiencing end-of-life care can have a really tough time and that's why we look after the patients," – Mr Varley
With annual costs projected to reach £19 million in the next financial year, the funds raised from this event will be instrumental in continuing to provide essential services. The charity remains committed to honoring patients' wishes by supporting those who prefer spending their final days at home.
"We know that a lot of our patients prefer to die at home, and in that comfortable setting." – Mr Varley
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