Ballynahinch woman’s invite to join charity Twilight Walk

Ballynahinch woman’s invite to join charity Twilight Walk

19 September 2018

BALLYNAHINCH woman Rosalind Steenson is urging people to join her on the forthcoming Marie Curie Twilight Walk to raise funds for the leading cancer charity.

The event — which takes place on Friday, September 28 at 7.30pm — will be held in the beautiful grounds of Barnett Demesne in South Belfast to raise funds for an organisation which provides care to people with a terminal illness in their own homes or in one of its nine hospices. 

The charity is also a leader in research into the best ways of caring for people with a terminal illness and all the 

services it provides are free of charge, with around 70% of its income coming via donations with the balance of funds provided by the NHS.

Those taking part in the forthcoming Twilight Walk can expect much more than just a walk as there will be a festival atmosphere with music, entertainment and a spectacular firework display to finish off.

People take part in the walk for all sorts of reasons, with a large proportion walking in memory of someone they have lost. 

Rosalind will be remembering her best friend of over 30 years, Michelle Watterson, who died in the Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast in July.

“Michelle was diagnosed with cancer for the second time three years ago and, unfortunately, it spread to other parts of her body and became terminal,” she explained.

“She spent her final ten days at the hospice where she received exceptional care. Even in a short time, her family and friends have received such great support from Marie Curie.”

Rosalind described Michelle as a “wonderful, faithful, special friend” who was loved by many and someone whom she as has many precious memories of after over 30 years’ of friendship.  

“Michelle fought this horrible disease with all her might. She was courageous and strong until she could fight no more, but her faith in the Lord shone brightly throughout her journey and touched many people,” Rosalind continued.

She added: “Michelle was really an inspiration and it is in her memory that her friends and family decided to sign up to the Marie Curie Twilight Walk.  

“It will also be a very poignant evening for us all because the walk is taking place on what would have been Michelle’s 45th birthday.”

Marie Curie community fundraiser Phil Kane said the Twilight Walk was a “great excuse to get together with friends, family or colleagues for a beautiful 7K walk around Barnett Demesne, taking in Shaw’s Bridge towpath and the Lock Keepers Cottage.”

He added: “All money raised from the event will be used by Marie Curie to help people living with a terminal illness and their families across Northern Ireland.”

Registration for the Twilight Walk is now open and those interested in taking part can sign up at mariecurie.org.uk/TwilightWalk or telephone 028 9088 2060.