Nicole Wagner, 32, is taking part in the St Christopher’s Fun Walk, almost a year since her mother, Irene, was diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer.
The annual event, which is the biggest fundraiser for the hospice, will see thousands of participants take to the streets of Bromley on May 11, with the aim of raising vitals funds for St Christopher’s Hospice.
It also features fairground stalls, pop-up shops, food, drink, games, and live music.
A photo of Nicole Wagner and her family (Image: St Christopher’s)
Participants will proudly wear photos of their deceased loved ones on T-shirts and can put a heart on the memory tree, located part way around the course.
Last year saw more than 451 hearts placed on the tree.
The walk starts and finishes at Keston Common, with participants having the option of three, five, eight, or 11-mile sponsored walks.
Walkers can compete in teams and have dedicated online pages to see who can raise the most money.
Even the dedicated hospice nurses and staff form a team, raising funds for the charity.
Nicole will tackle the 11-mile course with her brother and two friends, and are expected to raise more than £1,000 for the hospice.
When doctors at Guy’s Hospital referred Irene to St Christopher’s, the family knew very little about the hospice and what to expect.
Ms Wagner said: “End of life care sounds very daunting and we wanted to keep a positive mindset to the end.
“From the very first time the nurse came to visit Mum, they wanted to understand her wishes and what was important to her.
“They handled all the difficult conversations delicately and always focused on what she wanted and was best for her.”
“I know Mum tried to say a heartfelt thanks to the nurses on their final visit. She had formed a real bond with them, and she was very grateful.
“I think she would be glad that we are raising money for St Christopher’s. The nurses were so lovely, with a calm, gentle manner.”
After her mum died, Nicole was looking for a sense of purpose and started exploring the hospice’s website; which is when she discovered the Fun Walk.
She said: “That’s why I set my target quite low to start with, because to be honest I wasn’t sure how much support I would get.”
Within 24 hours, she smashed her initial £100 target.
Now, with more than £600 pledged, it looks like a dead cert that she’ll hit the latest £700 target.
“I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Nicole.
“I feel really pleasantly surprised, and it feels so good to hit the targets.
“I’m now trying to think of new ways to reach different people, like putting a poster up in my local café.”
For those unsure about taking on the Fun Walk, Nicole encourages: “Take the leap because every penny counts and there is no such thing as too little.
“You’ll also get the chance to have a really nice walk.
“You can always set the fundraising bar low to start with like I did and then be pleasantly surprised when you keep hitting it and then keep going.”
The event is open to people of all ages, and dogs are also welcome.
Registration costs £15 for adults and £5 for children aged 3 to 17.
On-the-day registrations are welcome but will cost £20.
Christine Davies, head of fundraising at St Christopher’s, said: “We’re so excited to return to Keston Common once again for our annual Fun Walk and welcome back thousands of our supporters from across South London.
“Join walkers like Nicole and enjoy a fun-filled day of entertainment, music, and community while supporting our work.
“We encourage everyone, from young families to those in their older age, to come down.”
“Events like these are becoming more and more important in helping us raise vital funds to continue providing end of life care for people across South London, as well as their families, loved ones and carers.
“Please do sign up today.”
