Talking The Walk For Princess Alice Hospice

Come and walk shoulder to shoulder and help raise awareness of the bereavement services of Princess Alice Hospice at their second Talk The Walk event on Saturday 1 April.

The event, which starts at Esher Rugby Club, is for anyone over the age of 11 but is mainly targeting men, although women and girls are most welcome, too! The Hospice hopes to smash the stereotype that men don’t talk about their grief and won’t access any bereavement support, even if they need it and it’s available.

Walk with mates, colleagues, your dad, uncle, brother or other family members. There are two routes, one 10 miles and one four miles.

Your registration fee includes a Rugby Match Day Ticket (Esher v Bishop’s Stortford, the match will take place after the walk at Esher Rugby Club), a soft drink for under 18s or beer for entrants aged 18+, a delicious burger (vegan, vegetarian and other dietary options available), a Talk The Walk t-shirt, and a medal (for people and dogs!).

Claire Woodward, Community Partnerships and Events Lead at the Hospice, said:

“We know that grief is not easy for anyone, but many people, mainly men, won’t seek support. We want to raise awareness of our bereavement services while raising funds for the Hospice Last year’s event was great fun – 75 walkers took part, and this year we’re hoping to double the number of walkers.

Leader of Surrey County Council, Tim Oliver, whose daughter, Emily, died at the Hospice in 2019, took part in last year’s event and said:

“Talk The Walk is about raising the profile of Princess Alice Hospice and its bereavement services and encouraging men to speak about their feelings. One in three men don’t access any bereavement support, but it’s so important to talk about grief and know that help is available when things are tough.

“The Hospice is a fantastic charity which must raise more than £10 million each year to fund its vital work. I attended the event last year with my son, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great to speak with other men and young people about their experience of grief and loss.”

For more information and to sign up go to www.pah.org.uk/talkthewalk