A Hen Night in memory of mum
Rebecca Goodenough and a group of friends are having a Hen Night with a difference. They are taking part in The Twilight Walk, a ladies only event in Exmouth on 8th July raising much needed funds for Hospiscare.
When she was just 13 years old Rebecca's mum died in St Michael’s Hospice, East Sussex. This was back in 1987 when it was a rarity to find a hospice, and at that time there were just six beds available at St Michael’s.
She recalls, “We just felt that mum was so lucky to be in a hospice. I know that sounds strange to say but it’s by far the best place to be if you are approaching the end of your life. It’s like a home from home.
To be somewhere that treats you and your family with such compassion is lovely. It went beyond my expectations for patient care. During those last few weeks and days of life my mum was still here, her life wasn’t over yet. The medical staff were genuinely interested in her, they talked to her and got to know her, treated her like a whole person and that’s really special.”
The care given made such an impression on Rebecca she has been a staunch supporter of hospice charities ever since. Now living in Okehampton, Devon, Rebecca is getting married later this year to fiancé Shane Green, and is planning a special tribute to her mum whilst also supporting local charity Hospiscare.
The theme of the walk this year is Back To The 80’s, and the ladies in Rebecca’s party will all be embracing the 80’s look, taking inspiration from famous pop stars of the era.
Rebecca says, ”We’re going all out with the 80’s gear and Tina Turner style big hair will be compulsory on the night. Doing the Twilight Walk is a way of incorporating my mum into my wedding even though she’s not here anymore. I love the idea of women supporting other women, I have done the Twilight Walk before and it feels amazing to be part of an event like this.
“None of us know what’s around the corner and one of us might need the help of a hospice at some point in our lives. We all need to get behind our local hospices, let’s protect their future just as they protect those we love and possibly one day us.
“I'm sad I don't have my mum to arrange my wedding with, but so very glad she had the love from a hospice as she left this world.”
To sign up for the Twilight Walk, visit www.twilight.org.uk. There is a special team offer open from 18th April to 8th May. A team of 4 can enter the event for just £60, standard single entry is £17.
If you’d like to support the Hen Walk team, you can find Rebecca’s Virgin Money Giving Page here.
Hospiscare is a local charity, providing free, high quality care and support to people with a progressive life-limiting illness, and those close to them in Exeter, East and Mid Devon.
