I am taking part in St John's Hospice Moonlight Walk!

I’m doing this for my dear friend Bev, to honour her life & all she did and in her memory. Bev passed away 13th April.

This is usually as far as I’ve got. I’ve thought I’ll do it another day as just having to acknowledge in my head that I’ll never see this amazing 🤩 lady & my lifelong friend ever again is bloody unbearable.

For those reading this who knew Bev I know you’ll feel this too. If you don’t, bless you as you’ll likely know someone who has passed or is living with cancer or some other debilitating illness. So lovelies I’ll walk for you too. It will be my honour.

I’ve known Bev for 20 years, meeting at work when we were Community Occupational Therapists (OT). Though retired, we remained close friends. I won’t bore you what we did but all our clients aged 18 and onwards had long term conditions, some life threatening, palliative needs etc. We had close links with the hospice & know how essential hospice care is to the wellbeing of our clients & their families. I think most of us will know its value. I did when my Dad was desperately ill and nearing the end of his life. The love & care he and Mum received was immeasurable. Hospice care gave us a sense of hope, peace of mind & for Dad everyone was his angel through their sheer kindness. He felt safe and was treated with compassion and dignity.

Bev, was a Geordie. Fab accent! Calm & caring, totally selfless & a joy to know. I’m a feisty redhead so we were Yin & Yan. If I’ve spelt that wrong, she’ll be laughing. I get mixed up! Bev became a grandma again a week before she passed. She was so chuffed and held on to see that little man born safely into this world before she left. That was so Bev -always looking out for you. I could write reams about my friend but trust me Bev was an absolute treasure.

So I’m doing this walk for Bev primarily but for so many people too who like me have lost a cherished friend, parent or family, for those dealing with illnesses that test you & nearly break you but somehow they fight it.

I hope I’ve reached you somehow. To do this walk will help my healing. I still think of those I’ve lost and if I had feathers like a peacock 🦚 I’d be fluffed up all proud with my posh shoes on because I’ve known these people. I was Bevs friend and she mine. I am so lucky 🍀 and blessed.

This walk will be a bit of a challenge for me. I had a hip replacement 31/8/23. Mr Patel, the best surgeon ever, enabled me to walk unaided & painlessly once again. I know I’m lucky because that doesn’t happen for so many people. We can’t always be fixed. That’s what’s so hard isn’t it?

My lovely daughter Carly is walking with me and I know Bev will be there too. She’d say ‘E Karen you be careful Don’t hurt yourself on my account’ That really was Bev - a treasure.

If you can support me oh I’d be so grateful and thrilled and I will finish this walk in honour of Bev who never gave up, always had hope and a smile even though she was living with a terminal illness. Told you she was amazing.

If you’ve read my story thank you 🤩 and if you can donate to this fab cause however big or small - a big virtual hug coming at ya. 🤗

Every single step I take will be for Bev, for all of you and to raise much needed funds for a fantastic, much needed place for those people who most need it.

Love and light to you all ❤️