FUNDRAISERS for a Wyre Forest hospice braved heavy rain to take part of a memory walk in aid of a noble cause.

KEMP Hospice held their inaugural Midnight Memories walk last Friday, June 14, which saw over 200 people join together and trek 5km through a forest in Bewdley.

This year was the first time that men and women took part in one of KEMP’s Midnight Walks, and those involved were treated to a night of entertainment in the forest, which featured a Pink tribute concert, a forest disco, and a specially made ‘Memory Wall’ and ‘Memory Tree.’

The Wyre Forest charity are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year and the event was designed to remember loved ones who have died.

The route through the forest saw fundraisers contribute to a ‘Memory Tree’ that had been placed in honour of their loved ones by KEMP in the forest’s arboretum.

KEMP Hospice Event Fundraiser Shelley Stanley said: “During the week I kept a close eye on the weather and at one point I thought we might have to cancel. However, people who had registered told me they would walk whatever the weather so that they could honour their loved ones.

"Faced with that sort of love and determination we simply had to carry on.

"I’m blown away by the number of people who braved the rain, and it was so humbling to see so many people sharing their stories with one another about their friends and relatives who were no longer here.

"I want to especially thank the volunteers who gave up their evening to help register everyone in and also marshal the 5km route, and to everyone who took part – you are KEMP heroes.”

All money raised at the KEMP Hospice Midnight Memories Walk will go towards helping to care and support families in the Wyre Forest area who are dealing with life-limiting illnesses and bereavement.