Hundreds take to the streets in memory of loved ones for Rowans Hospice charity walk

The Rowans Hospice Moonlit Memories walk saw hundreds of people walking along the seafront, raising money for the Waterlooville-based charity.

Many of those taking part in the nighttime walk have received support from the hospice at one time or another.

One of those was Angela Barnes, 68 from Southsea.

Her husband, Rodney Barnes, died in March – but she says the support given by Rowans Hospice was second to none.

She said: ‘My husband was in the Rowans Hospice when he died, so I’ve seen what it’s like.

‘They have been incredible, both before Rodney died and after, so I wanted to come along and show my support.

‘I was going to come along by myself, but my friend Nesta offered to come with me so we’ll remember him together.’

Ben Rance, 14 from Gosport, went to the walk with Toby Werren, 13 – along with their mums.

Ben said: ‘We’re doing it for our great auntie Karen; she was at the Rowans Hospice.

‘This is the first time we’ve done it and it’s nice seeing everyone get together for the same reason, all showing support for one another.’

For David and Katie Raw, from Southsea, the Moonlit Memories walk was done in memory of their daughter Jess, who took her own life four years ago.

David said: ‘This event has fallen almost to the day when she died four years ago.

‘But everyone here understands loss and so we’re all in the same boat.

‘Rowans Hospice is close to my heart because I used to be a GP, so a few of the patients I saw actually ended up there.

‘It’s certainly been an emotional evening.’

Katie added: ‘Everyone here has a collective grief – you can really feel that here.

‘This is the first time we’ve come but it’s made a big impression.’

Meanwhile, others were walking simply to help out a local charity that supports the community.

Jo Wandless, 57 from Gosport, said: I did the walk last year too; it’s nice to have a charity like this so close by, they do a lot for people.’