The family of a man who died with lung cancer will take part in lantern-lit charity night walk for the palliative care centre who looked after him.
Malcom Atkins’ family are supporting Peace Hospice Care by attending their NightLight Walk in Cassiobury Park in Watford, on July 7.
Malcom, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, was referred to the Peace Hospice Care Home Service in November that year.
He received end of life palliative care during the last year of his life before he died at the hospice in 2017.
Rebecca and Malcom Atkins
Hi daughter, Rebecca, said the care her father received was “impeccable”, adding: “The Hospice at Home nurses referred Dad to their Starlight Outpatient Service where he also received weekly support for his breathlessness.
“These sessions really helped Dad as he was surrounded by people who were going through a similar illness to himself.
“Dad decided that he wanted his life to finish in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit - nowhere else would do. When it came to making the call for him to be admitted the only place available was at the Hospice of St Francis.
“The nursing team knew how much it meant to Dad to go to Peace Hospice Care and they managed to get him a space right at the last minute, fulfilling our Dad's last request.
“This to us, as a family, meant the world and was above and beyond the staff's call of duty. For this we will be eternally grateful.”
This will be the second NightLight Walk held for the hospice. Funds raised during the 5k nocturnal trek will be put toward palliative care for terminally ill people. The target this year is £60,000.
The walk is suitable for all ages and everyone who takes part will be given a NightLight lantern which may be personally dedicated to a loved one and carried along the route.
At the end of the walk, lanterns will then be placed into a display creating a glowing night time sculpture.
Drinks, rides and other entertainments will also be available from 5.30pm. The NightLight Walk will begin at 8pm.
The event is supported by Smith & Nephew, a multinational medical equipment manufacturing company.
For more information, visit https://www.peacehospicecare.org.uk/viewevent.asp?eventID=847
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