Princess Alice Hospice's walk to raise awareness of bereavement services
The Esher-based hospice are running their second 'Talk The Walk' event on the 1st of April.
A local hospice is encouraging men to open up about their emotions when grieving, plus is raising awareness of their bereavement services, with a 'Talk The Walk' event at the start of April.
The event is being run by Princess Alice Hospice and it will start at Esher Rugby Club. There are two walking options, where participants can walk for ten miles or four miles. It's the second time that the event has taken place. After the walk, there will be a ticket for a rugby match for anyone that's registered on the event, plus the registration fee includes a drink, burger, medal and T-Shirt.
The event is aiming to challenge the stereotype that men don't talk about their grief, and won't access bereavement support.
Tim Oliver is the leader of Surrey County Council. His daughter was cared for at Princess Alice Hospice back in 2019 - Tim did the walk last year and has signed up for this year's event.
"The bereavement service that Princess Alice offer is excellent. This event is really aimed at trying to get men, people like me, to just open up a bit more, to get out there, share those experiences, know that you're not alone."
"It's an opportunity for people to walk up to ten miles, to talk, to laugh, to cry."
Tim also highlighted why the hospice is so important.
"It's a safe secure environment, where families can spend those last days with their relatives. The staff are absolutely tremendous."
"We wouldn't have got through this had it not been for the support from the hospice."
Claire Woodward is the Community Partnerships and Events Lead at the hospice.
"We need to reach out to our community for help in order to fundraise. One of those things we do are community events, which Talk The Walk is."
"It's an opportunity for people to walk up to ten miles, to talk, to laugh, to cry, make friendships.
"We've developed this because it is hard for men to talk."