Annual charity walk, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust’s first live event of 2021, is a sell-out success
and live on Freeview channel 276
This popular walk is an important date on the charity’s calendar, allowing Snowdrop families, supporters and the Snowdrop care at home team to enjoy a walk overlooking the South Downs, with the kind permission of the Duke of Norfolk.
Last year, with live events put on hold, the Walberton-based charity, like so many others, marked the event virtually and celebrated with a beautiful film.
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Hide AdBut the trust was keen to hold the walk properly this year, if at all possible, and once it was approved, tickets sold out within hours of being released.
Many of the Snowdrop children have had to shield for long periods, due to life-threatening illness such as cancer, cystic fibrosis or a brain tumour, and families were keen to get out and enjoy the walk together.
Di Levantine, chairman and co-founder of the charity, said: “It was such a joy to see so many of our families attend the walk on Sunday. We were advised by Arun District environmental heath department what restrictions were necessary to keep our volunteers and attendees safe, and 250 adults and their children came to the event.
“Some took advantage of the smooth path on their scooters and small bikes while others ventured across the five-mile route, taking in the splendid views.
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Hide Ad“We were delighted to be joined by Lord Herbert of the South Downs, who is also a patron of the charity, and Andrew Griffith MP, with their gorgeous dogs.
“There were so many beaming smiles from adults and children as they received their medals and all dogs were given a rosette. It really felt like a positive step forward for us all as we slowly re-connect in person.
“The event was different without the toy stalls and wonderful homemade cakes but a great day was had by all.”
The annual walk supports the charity’s £350,000 annual costs, providing specialist nurses who support the Snowdrop children and their families in their own homes.
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Hide AdMr Griffith said: “It was a real delight to support Di and the trust at this year’s walk. They do such incredible work for local children and their families. It was a wonderful way to enjoy the open space of the castle park and be part of the fundraising effort for such a good cause.”