It's getting to that time of year again when some of us will be setting our alarm at 2.30am on 19th June 2021! The Portesberries are back and even have a bigger team!

Right, you may call us mad for walking 20km at 4.00am, but let me explain. All of us work or have worked within Special Educational Needs schools that specialise in children with severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple disabilities.

The students and families we work with everyday rely on charities such as Shooting Stars Children's Hospice to help and support them in everyway, through the good times and the bad.

Some of us have seen the impact that Shooting Stars hospices have in particular Christophers in Guildford. Some of us have been here supporting our pupils and their families. At Christophers all the staff are so warming and friendly.  The atmosphere is what you want, everyone smiling and chatting, and making time for all the children. The activities the charity provide are amazing. It's not just the parents who benefit from this but also the siblings of the children who attend, its a real home from home. There is always a cup of tea and biscuit waiting. 

The bad times, which I won't dwell on, but just as important. No one should ever have to go to their child's funeral however this is an all too real situation for our parents and us.  However Shooting Stars Children's Hospice support families through these extremely tough and heart breaking times. They become a guardian angel through these times and fully support families through every step. Furthermore their support does not stop at palliative care, they fully support families and their siblings after with counselling and memorial days. The families are always welcome with open arms.

The nitty gritty bit! We are aiming to raise £450 for this amazing charity by walking 10km or 20km at 4.00am from Portesbery School- nothing compared to what these parents and families have to go through. So anything you are able to donate no matter how big or small will be greatly appreciated! 

Here we have our personal reasons behind taking part in this special event

We are walking for Shooting Stars to raise awareness for the fantastic work that they do. Over the years they have been an amazing support to our families and students in Dragonfly class (Lauren, Charlene, Jeannette & Stacy)

I've taken part in The Sunrise Rise for a number of years because Shooting Stars have supported so many of our students over many years. In the last 4 years they have given care to some of my students reaching end of life and have supported the families as well. I wish there wasn't the need for a place like Shooting Stars but when the worst is going to happen, it's the best place to go. Tracey H

Shooting Stars is a life line to so many of our families. I currently volunteer at the Christophers hospice so have seen first hand the amazing events and support they give so many families. Unfortunately more recently I have experienced how vital the bereavement service and support is. They have been guardian angels during this extremely difficult and heart breaking time and a shoulder to cry on. They are literally a one in a million charity that needs our support more than ever.   Emma 

For me the support and opportunities that Shooting Stars gives to our young people and their families in life and at end of life means families can share time together as a family and all have some respite. The kindness within the four walls lasts long after you walk out the door. When a family is at their most vulnerable they give them warmth and the time they need.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.