The wife of a popular Stoke-on-Trent boxer who raised more than £1,400 by taking part in Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk last summer is encouraging others to take part this year.
Karen Marston signed up for the walk whilst her beloved husband Gary – known to family and friends as Topo– was being cared for by Dougie Mac nurses following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Sadly, Gary passed away in the hospice in the early hours of May 28 with Karen by his bedside. Karen managed to raise an incredible £1,411 in Gary’s memory by completing the walk on June 20.
She said: “I decided to do the walk while my husband and I were staying in the hospice as I wanted to do something to give back what I could. I signed up to do the walk alone but found out a friend of mine was also taking part, so I joined her and her daughter.
“On the night of the event, I had mixed emotions especially when we entered the hospice grounds, but I feltlike Gary was cheering me on with every single step I took and at the end of the walk I felt a great sense of achievement.
“I would definitely encourage others to take part. The hospice was our safe haven where my husband and I felt safe and comfortable and my husband felt he was treated like a king. I know everyone who helped us did it because they truly cared.“
Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said: “Events like our Moonlight Walk are lots of fun, but they also play a vital role in helping us to raise the money we need to continue our care and support services for local children, young adults and adults. By taking part, you’ll not only have a brilliant night, you’ll also be making a real difference to our local community.
“Registration is now open for this year’s walk which is taking place on Friday, June 19. Participants will set off from St Peter’s Academy in Fenton at 10pm – with the fun starting at 8.30pm.
Everyone who enters will receive a Moonlight Walk T-shirt to proudly wear on the night, and a medal when they cross the finishing line in the early hours. To register for this year’s event, take a look here: www.dougiemac.org.uk/events/moonlight-
