For over 20 years, a Co Antrim woman and her family have been regular faces on the Northern Ireland Hospice's Celebration Walks in memory of her mum and dad.
What started out as a fundraising idea for Alison Clarke has blossomed into an annual family tradition.
Alison, 61, from Carrickfergus, first took on the Northern Ireland Hospice Celebration Walk back in 2021 in memory of her parents, Betty and Matthew Mullen. Just 20 years after her father died, she then lost her sister Lyn McKay.
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Alison explained: "Dad was in the NI Hospice for about eight weeks before he died aged 73 on August 20 1999, which was his 44th wedding anniversary and two days after our sister Lyn's 40th birthday.
"Mum passed away in Antrim Hospital aged 69 on October 10 2001. Lyn died on July 11 2019, just a few weeks before her 60th birthday and 20 years after our father passed away."
Alison added: "When Lyn went into the Hospice in May 2019 for about nine weeks, we were speaking to one of the nurses who had looked after my father.
"She remembered our father because he had died while I was on a cruise and she knew that one of his daughters had been away at the time. This was 20 years later so it goes to show how very personal the Hospice is and that you're more than just a number.
"The staff at the Hospice made Lyn's last weeks so enjoyable and all she wanted was her two sisters, myself and Margaret, with her. We were able to stay with her day and night and have wee parties and things which couldn't have happened if she'd been in hospital."
To honour the memory of her parents, Alison decided to get involved with the Hospice Walks in 2002 and down the years she has been joined by her sisters, daughters, niece and friends on the annual treks.
Alison said: "We did our first Hospice Walk in 2002 because we thought it was the best way to fundraise and give something back as a thank you for the care our father had received. Over the years we've been able to raise thousands for the Hospice.
"Lyn did the walks for a few years with us too - it's something that's marked in our calendar every year and now the grandkids join us too.
"When you're on the walks, you know that you're with other people who have been in the same situation and they know how you feel.
"Every single person has their own story to tell so you can talk about your memories of loved ones and laugh about all the good times. We've met so many people over the years and made some good friendships."
Alison was speaking ahead of the return of the much-loved NI Hospice for 2023, with several in-person events taking place in stunning locations from April to June.
Taking place as Hospice marks 40 years of specialist care provision, these colourful events will support the charity’s continued work whilst giving participants an opportunity to celebrate life on some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic walking trails.
The first Hospice Celebration Walk will take place on Divis and Black Mountain on April 1, with further local trails being explored in April, May and June, including the NorthDown/Bangor Coastal Path and Larne Coastal Route on April 22, Lagan Tow Path on May 20 and finishing on June 3 at Woodburn Reservoir.
Alison's sister Margaret has also been speaking about why Hospice Celebration Walks are so important.
Dr Gerry Millar, NI Hospice’s Chairman, said: “This year’s Hospice Celebration Walks reflect how 2023 is a milestone year for NI Hospice. Over the past four decades, the Walks have helped Hospice raise millions towards providing specialist care for babies, children and adults.
“Hospice is currently facing a perfect storm of challenges including rising costs and increasing demand for our services, so we need your support now more than ever in order to continue our 40 years of delivering care in our communities.
“We now need you, your friends and your families to get their boots on and celebrate life with us! Each walk promises to be a great day out with family and friends and will help Hospice continue our caring work in local communities.
“Whether you’re remembering a loved one who has passed away, someone who has received care from Hospice or you just want to celebrate the joy of life, we’d love to see you. Everyone can get involved, regardless of ability, so let’s make 2023 our biggest year ever!”
Register today for your local Hospice Walk at nihospice.org/walks.
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