2011 Walk to Remember launched by St Peter's Hospice

The St Peter's Hospice 'Walk to Remember' has been launched so that family and friends of loved ones cared for by the charity can raise money while walking in their memory.

This year's event is taking place on Sunday 9 October around the Ashton Court Estate and will set off at 11am.

Having attracted over 500 people last year, organisers are hoping to increase the number of participants which will help raise funds vital for maintaining the work undertaken by the hospice.

Typical of those who took part last year was Dennis Gazzard from Easter Compton who along with his family walked in memory of his wife Pamela.

Dennis, along with 14 other members of his family, is now planning to take part again in this year's walk and is urging anyone who has links with the hospice to get involved.

Dennis said: "Last year's event was a great success not only because we raised a lot of money but because of the atmosphere.

"After last year's walk all my family said how comforting they found it. We were walking with people who had all gone through a similar experience and that companionship was a great help not only to me but to all those who walked in memory of Pam.

"I think because we were all there for the same purpose made it so much easier to talk which previously we perhaps found a little hard to do.

"The work undertaken by all those at St Peter's Hospice is just fantastic. It made our lives a lot easier at what was a very difficult time.

"Pam worked at the hospice as a volunteer for 14 years and I would urge anyone who has had a link to the hospice to take part in the walk.

"She was known at the 'Egg Lady' because she used to help patients paint goose eggs as a memento for their family. It's this sort of thing I want to make sure keeps going at the hospice as it does make a big difference to those who spend time there."

As Bristol's only adult hospice St Peter's Hospice cares for local people with incurable diseases, giving them a better quality of life. All care is provided free of charge but with the NHS contributing just 23% of the £6 million needed to run the hospice yearly, money raised from events like the Walk to Remember is vital.

Last year the hospice cared for 2,000 patients in the region and supported over 6,000 family members, including children.

Jo Gibbons, head of fundraising at St Peter's Hospice said: "Last year's walk was a great success and it's fantastic to have people like Dennis and his family already signed up.

"We want to beat the number of people who took part last year so if you want to help then please sign up. Registration only costs £8 per adult and £5 per child (under 16) and there is no charge for your dog!"

For more information or to register please visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk or call in at your nearest St Peter's Hospice shop for a registration form.