PEOPLE in Reading are being encouraged to put their best foot forward this October to remember loved ones and support Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

After its annual Forget-Me-Not-Walk was cancelled due to coronavirus, the Reading hospice has launched Walk to Remember, a new walking event for individuals, families, friends or colleagues to celebrate the life of someone special.

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Participants can complete a 5K or 10K walk any day throughout October or virtually join hundreds of others across the country for the official walk day on Saturday, October 17.

They are encouraged to personalise their walk by choosing the distance, start and finish line, and a route or location that means something special to them.

Nikki Douglas from Thatcham and her son Oliver, 10, did a Walk to Remember in tribute to her mum Pauline, who was cared for at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in 2019.

During August, which would have been Pauline’s birthday month, Nikki and Oliver walked 13 miles, the equivalent distance from their house to the hospice.

Nikki, who also raised £200, is hoping that others will follow in her footsteps and do their own Walk to Remember.

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She said: “The walks were a chance for me and Oliver to spend time together and we used the opportunity to talk about my mum and look back on funny memories.

"Smaller charities are being hit hard by COVID-19 and I wanted to do something during this time to show my support."

Laura Kell, Head of Hospice Fundraising at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We hope that this special event will provide a way for people to remember loved ones, take in the beautiful autumn scenery and help us continue to be there for people when it matters.

"Entry is free, but any fundraising or donations will make all the difference to patients and families across Berkshire needing our expert care.”

To sign up to Walk to Remember, visit: sueryder.org/WalktoRemember.