More than 230 people took part in ellenor hospice's first Virtual Twilight Walk, raising £25,000 for the Gravesend charity.

Most years thousands of people come together for ellenor’s Twilight Walk, walking the streets of Gravesend to remember someone special and honour the work of ellenor’s staff and volunteers.

This year coronavirus restrictions meant the usual walk couldn't be held but fundraisers were still able to devise their own route for the virtual walk on September 18.

It replaced the event planned to be held at Gravesend’s Cyclopark and concluded with an online streaming event with music and entertainment to share with all the family.

Ellenor is a charity which supports those coping with life-limiting illnesses and their families, and the Covid-19 crisis has added a new range of fears and challenges to their lives.

Emma Bowles, interim events fundraising manager, said: “The Twilight Walk has always been our most popular fundraising event, raising tens of thousands of pounds for those living with life-limiting or terminal illness. We understand times are very hard for many and we are hugely grateful for every gesture of support.

“Like many charities, ellenor has had to adapt to the world of virtual or online events to ensure that we can continue to raise vital funds throughout the pandemic. We remain as grateful as ever to our loyal and generous supporters for their continued commitment to ellenor hospice and thank our Kent community for their generosity."

Suzie Hammond started taking part in the Twilight Walk six years years ago to celebrate the lives of a friend and her mother-in-law who were both supported by ellenor hospice in their final days. Suzie, who together with friends and family raised £3,000, this year said: “Over the years, our group has expanded from just my three friends and me to last year when 14 of us took part – including six kids and a dog.

“The walk holds particular significance for my family as my mother-in-law passed away in the same week that our son was born and so it is a special way for him to remember his Nanny even though he never met her. He has taken part in the walk with us since he was five."

Meanwhile 13-year-old Liam Barden has hit upon a different way to help ellenor – using his magical abilities to raise money for the charity and entertain support groups.

Liam's mother, Debra, was in ellenor’s care in 2019, and he has since used his new talents as a magician to give something back to the hospice.

He explained how he had first got into magic, recalling: “When I was little, I got the standard Christmas gift of a magic set. Me and my dad looked at it, but the instructions were complicated. Once my dad talked me through them, though, and I started experimenting with the tricks, I got really good at it. I showed mum and all the family and the reactions were amazing. I just thought, ‘WOW - magic is incredible! Then I saw a magic show on TV – with people like Ben Hart and Paul Daniels – and it really inspired me to learn more tricks.”

When Liam’s mother was under ellenor’s care, Liam’s card skills kept staff, other patients and their visiting families entertained, laughing and guessing.

A big moment for Liam was winning a local talent show, where he performed in front of 500 people, but more recently he’s been winning a new audience via his postings on Instagram.

While meeting other magicians and finding new fans via social media has been a major plus for Liam, he’s also used his time and talents to raise funds for ellenor.

“I’ve asked people to donate if they like viewing my tricks on Instagram and so far I’ve raised £1,400," said Liam. "Ellenor doesn’t get any government support and the people who work there do amazing things. If they don’t get money, they won’t be able to give the care to other people.

“The nurses make that place magical because they are always there and they are so lovely. They support everyone, young and old. They supported not just my mum when she was ill, but our whole family. I had music therapy, which was really good. I don’t play instruments, really, but it didn’t matter – you can play whatever you want and get your emotions out, with no-one judging you.”

He added: “If you are passionate about something, just find your own way of doing it and make it yours.”

Everyone at ellenor wishes Liam every success and looks forward to finding out what the future holds for him.

If you would like to take part in an event and fundraise for ellenor visit https://ellenor.org

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