Earlier Risers Needed To Take Part In Fundraising Guildford Sunrise Walk

Published on: 15 Jun, 2019
Updated on: 21 Jun, 2019

Early risers are needed by charity Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to take part in its first fundraising Sunrise Walk in Guildford.

Shooting Stars’ Guildford Sunrise Walks takes place on Sunday, June 30.

It starts at 4.30am on Sunday, June 30, at the University of Law at Artington, close to the charity’s Guildford hospice, Christopher’s.

The walk follows parts of the North Downs Way, including Loseley Park and St Martha’s Hill.

Funds raised will support babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families, across Surrey and London.

Two distances are available, 10km and 20km, giving everyone, from family and friends to dogs, the chance to take to take part.

Nicky Ludlow is taking on the 10km route with her 15-year-old daughter Mia, along with Mia’s friend. Nicky’s son George is supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices at Christopher’s.

Up until the age of seven, George was living like any other healthy child, until a morning in 2010 when Nicky and husband Phillip found their son lying in bed awake, but unable to move or talk. Now at 17 years old, George’s condition remains undiagnosed, with no prognosis.

Nicky Ludlow and daughter Mia are taking on the 10km walk. They are pictured here with dad Phillip and George, who is supported by Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Nicky said: “We know that any seizure could take him from us and he is reliant on his medication to manage his condition, not treat it.

“The damage from the seizures means his emotional maturity is still that of an eight-year-old but we’ve been told he may well outgrow some elements of the epilepsy and we’re hopeful.

“Whatever the future holds, dealing with the impact of George’s condition is made bearable because of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and we simply couldn’t function without them. They are the greatest support network to anyone in our position.

“I want to do the Sunrise Walk as, as much as the support with the bigger things, like the stays at the hospices and therapies help, it’s the little things too.

“When George was at Great Ormond Street Hospital this time last year, two of the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices nurses came up to see him. They didn’t have to, but they did, and it meant I could go and have a break and a walk, as I trust to leave him with them completely. It’s those moments that help so much.”

Participants at the Sunrise Walk will be able to light a lantern on a celebration tree at the start line to remember loved ones.

The Guildford Sunrise Walk is just one of many challenges the family is taking on this year, aiming to complete a year of fundraising to raise money for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Participants at the Sunrise Walk will be able to light a lantern on a celebration tree at the start line to remember loved ones, and can celebrate their achievements with a post-walk picnic breakfast and a medal.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices hopes to raise £50,000 from its Guildford Sunrise Walk, to continue to provide practical and emotional care for families. With only 10% of their income from government funding, it relies on its supporters’ generosity to ensure its service keeps running.

To find out more and to sign up visit www.shootingstar.org.uk/sunrise-walk