Marie Curie is calling on people to gather their family and friends to take part in the first Twilight Walk to be held in Belfast since the pandemic.
The seven kilometre walk on the evening of Friday, September 30, at Barnett Demesne provides an opportunity for participants to commemorate lost loved ones in a poignant but fun event which helps support people impacted by death, dying and bereavement.
There will be music, song, laughter and tears, craic and comradery - but most importantly - an emotional finish when walkers light a lantern in Lantern Lane as a tribute to loved ones who have died, however long ago.
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Nearly 2,000 people took part in the 2019 Twilight Walk, raising thousands of pounds to help fund Marie Curie's work which aims to provide a better end of life for all.
The end of life charity has faced significant challenges and a devastating loss of funds due to the impact the coronavirus crisis had on fundraising activities.
It needs to raise funds to support people with terminal illness across Northern Ireland where every £180 raised by walk participants will help to fund nursing care for one night at home or at its Belfast hospice.
Ciara Gallagher, Marie Curie's Northern Ireland Head of Fundraising, said: "We are excited to be able to host Twilight Walk in Belfast again this year and we know that our loyal supporters are also delighted that it's back.
"Every participant who raises money by registering and by collecting donations is directly helping maintain our vital care for people needing end of life care.
"Because of the three-year break, we want to make this Twilight Walk the best ever and urge participants, from all arts and parts, to come together for this wonderful event that celebrates the lives of those no longer with us."
Gavin McGucken, Marie Curie's Community Fundraiser for the Belfast area, added: "We are always overwhelmed by the support that Twilight Walk receives as participants see it as a real coming together of people from all walks of life who understand and share their sense of grief.
"While it's a poignant event, it's also a happy one with music from Carolyn Stewart from u105 and live music at certain points along the way. I can promise walkers it will be the most memorable and rewarding walk they will have this year."
Aside to the main Belfast event starting at 7.30pm, Marie Curie is also encouraging local community walks throughout Northern Ireland during September.
It continues its 'Your walk, Your way' approach to Twilight Walk that it ran over the last two years due to Covid restrictions.
The community-based events can be as large or as small a group that the organisers want to have, as every pound raised is welcomed by the charity.
You can sign up for the event here or email walkni@mariecurie.org.uk.
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