Final call: 100 more walkers needed to light up Portsmouth at Rowans Hospice’s Shining Stars Walk

With less than two weeks to go until Rowans Hospice’s Shining Stars Walk returns to Portsmouth, the Hospice is making a final call for 100 more walkers to join a spectacular evening of remembrance, community and fundraising – helping to ensure local families can continue to receive compassionate hospice care when they need it most.

 Taking place on Saturday 26 September, the event will bring hundreds of people together at HMS Temeraire before setting off along Portsmouth’s waterfront at 7pm. With a choice of 4-mile or 8-mile routes, walkers will pass some of the city’s best-known landmarks, including the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior, illuminated against the night sky. 

But behind every step of our Shining Stars Walk is something much more important: the difference Rowans Hospice makes to people and families facing life-limiting illness. 

Hospice care is about making every moment matter. It is there when someone needs expert care to manage their symptoms and pain, when families need someone to turn to, and when people need reassurance, dignity and compassion at one of the most difficult times in their lives. It can mean helping someone to be comfortable at home, supporting a family through an uncertain diagnosis, or simply being there to listen during precious final moments together. 

Every pound raised through Shining Stars Walk helps Rowans Hospice continue providing this vital care, free of charge, to local people and their families. 

Open to all ages, Shining Stars Walk offers people the chance to walk in memory of someone special, show their support for local hospice care, or simply enjoy a unique evening with family and friends. 

This year, participants can dedicate a personalised star, which will be projected onto the Square Tower and Southsea Castle, creating a spectacular tribute to loved ones. Walkers will also have exclusive access to HMS Warrior, where they can light a candle, pause for reflection and remember those who hold a special place in their hearts. 

For many taking part, the evening will be a celebration of lives lived and the people who made them special. For others, it will be an opportunity to reflect on the care their loved one received from Rowans Hospice – and the compassionate support that helped their family through some of their most important and difficult moments.

With entertainment, glowing accessories and bright colours adding to the atmosphere, the evening promises to be a memorable celebration of community and remembrance. Every participant will receive an official Shining Stars Walk t-shirt and a commemorative medal on completion.

 Yvonne Penny-Filewod, head of fundraising and marketing at Rowans Hospice, said: “We are now just 100 walkers away from reaching our target, so this really is our final call to the local community to join us. Shining Stars brings people together for so many different reasons – to remember someone they love, to support Rowans Hospice, or simply to enjoy a special evening with family and friends.

Behind every person who takes part is the opportunity to make a real difference to someone facing a life-limiting illness. Our teams are there during some of the most important moments of people’s lives, providing expert care, comfort and compassion, and supporting families to spend precious time together.

If you have been thinking about taking part, now is the time to sign up. Come and walk with us, remember someone special, and help us make sure Rowans Hospice can continue to be there when local families need us most.”

 Rowans Hospice aims to raise £70,000 through participant sponsorship and fundraising. Every pound raised will help the Hospice continue providing free specialist care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South East Hampshire – helping to bring comfort, dignity and compassion to the moments that matter most.

How you can join the Shining Stars Walk 

Registration is available at www.rowanshospice.co.uk/event/shining-stars-walk

Online registrations close on Tuesday 22 September at 11:59pm, but tickets will also be available to purchase on the night, subject to availability.