60 ‘Sheppardesses’ are taking on the final Starlight Walk!

‘The Sheppardesses’ are this year’s biggest Starlight Walk team, raising money for a fantastic local cause!

On the 9^th July, Lynn Sheppard, from Croxley Green and her daughters, Sarah and Amanda, will be accompanied by their team of 60 ladies all walking in memory of Lynn’s husband, Steve Sheppard, at Peace Hospice Care’s final Starlight Walk.

Sarah and Amanda said:  “Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2015; just 2 months later on 9th November 2015 he passed away at Peace Hospice Care".

“Our family was rocked to the core at losing such a devoted husband, amazing Dad and loving Granddad. As we look back now on the darkest of days, the shining light is the Hospice. They gave Dad a large room and devoted it to our family, giving us the precious time together we needed. Family and friends were able to come and go, spending time and sharing memories with him. Day and night, we were all made to feel welcome, supported and cared for by the team of doctors, nursing staff and volunteers at Peace Hospice Care".

“We realised immediately that Peace Hospice Care provides exceptional care and we wanted to help to ensure that this care would always be available to other families when needed. The thought that a bed might not have been available, when we needed the Hospice the most, doesn't bear thinking about".

Left to right: Sarah, Lynn, Steve and Amanda

"As it’s the final Starlight Walk this year we want to make it the biggest and the best! Our good friend, Jacqueline Paddick, suggested we walk and immediately family and friends signed up to join the team. Dad was such a popular man that we didn’t need to encourage people – we’ve now got 60 ladies joining us. Our first target of £500 was smashed in April and we are now confident that we can raise over £1000".

“The Hospice are still supporting us and, along with our wonderful family and friends, are helping to make the unbearable bearable".

Pete Watson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at the Hospice, said: “We’re grateful to the ‘Sheppardesses’ for putting such a big team together to support our 10^th and final Starlight Walk! The Starlight Walk means a great deal to the Hospice & local community so we want to make sure that we go out with a bang.

“Next year we’ll be replacing the Starlight Walk with something that everyone will be able to take part in.  We’ll be realising some details soon so make sure you keep an eye on our website and Facebook page.”

Donations can be made online to ‘The Sheppardessess’ and if you would like to join Peace Hospice Care’s final Starlight Walk on the 9^th July, you can do so via their website, email or call 01923 335373.

(Source: Peace Hospice Care)