Taking place on Saturday 15 June 2019 from the Redoubt Fortress in Eastbourne, the 10 mile Wonder Walk is set to offer a unique experience. Setting off at 7pm, participants will walk from day to night, reflecting the 24 hour nature of the care Chestnut Tree House offers to local children and families. Three interactive stops along the route will give walkers the chance to experience first-hand some of the fun that children and families have when they are cared for by Chestnut Tree House. The walk will then finish back at the Redoubt, where walkers can celebrate their achievement in style.
Almost a hundred people have already signed up to the walk. Among them is Kerry Bonsor, a Mum from Pulborough. She and a friend have signed up to take on the 10 mile walk in order to help local children and their families. “When I became a parent, my whole outlook on life changed,” she says. “Every single minute becomes precious and I felt blessed. What I also felt is this overwhelming need to always protect my child and keep him safe, I cannot imagine my child having a life-threatening illness. When I learned about Chestnut Tree House, they touched my heart and I just so want to help these children and families in any way I can.”
Also walking are Alison and Nicola, who are walking in memory of Phoebe. Phoebe was just 11 weeks old when she passed away in 2015. Her and her family were cared for at Chestnut Tree House for two weeks after she died, giving her siblings, parents and grandparents time and space to grieve and say goodbye. “Amazing isn’t the right word, but to be able to spend that time with Phoebe was really special,” says Alison, Phoebe’s Grandmother. “As a grandparent it’s really hard to grieve whilst supporting your own children in their grief, but Chestnut Tree House were so supportive; there was always someone there when we needed them.”
Alison and Nicola have previously taken part in Chestnut Tree House’s Night to Remember midnight walk and are excited that Nicola’s 13 year old daughter, Brooke, can join them for the Wonder Walk. “We’re really looking forward to it,” says Alison. “We know from walking the Night to Remember that, once it starts, the crowd will pull us along on the night. It really doesn’t feel like 10 miles and there is always so much encouragement along the way.”
The Wonder Walk is open to everyone aged 10 and over (anyone aged under 16 will need to be accompanied by an adult) and entry will cost £20 per person. Find out more and register at www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/wonder-walk
