A family affected by cancer are taking part in Compton Care’s upcoming Memory Walk from various places around the world.

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the palliative care charity postponed the annual event to Sunday 9th October, meaning that Tracy Longdon was unable to complete the walk in-person at Chillington Hall as she was due to be on holiday in Jamaica, while her daughter and two nieces had also booked a trip to Ibiza.

Undeterred, the family decided to complete the 5km walk remotely on the same day, with the rest of the group who are remaining in the UK attending the event as planned.

Tracy and her family, together with Tracy’s friends who are joining her in Jamaica, will be walking in memory of Tracy’s brother, Steven, who was cared for at home by Compton after being diagnosed with advanced sinonasal mucosal melanoma just prior to his 50th birthday in June 2019. Steven passed away on 7th January 2022. Tracy, from Featherstone, Wolverhampton, said:

“Compton were amazing. They helped Steven and our family though a very tough time. They were always there giving us advice and support when we needed it and we were so grateful for their help. 

“We were disappointed when the walk was postponed as we would have loved to complete it together, but we were determined to still take part and look forward to walking in Steven’s memory on the day.”

The event is open to people of all ages – and their dogs - who wish to remember and celebrate the life of a loved one, while taking in the tranquil surroundings that are not usually open to the public. 

People can still take part in Compton Care’s Memory Walk by turning up on the day for an 11am start. Entry is £12 per person, and all funds raised will go towards the £12 million running costs needed to provide the vital service.

Compton Care supports people with incurable illnesses and their families living in Wolverhampton, the Black Country, South Staffordshire and East Shropshire. The event is proudly sponsored by brownfield remediation experts, McAuliffe Group.

For more information, visit comptoncare.org.uk/memorywalk or call 0300 323 0250.