Francis House New Year Winter Wander: Put your best foot forward in 2024!

Francis House Children’s Hospice is inviting walkers of all ages to step up this month in support of children and young adults with life-limiting conditions.

Julie Williams and dog Sam walking the Lymm Loop Winter Wander in aid of Francis House

For the first month of 2024, individuals, families and friends are being asked to embark on the walking challenge and raise funds for the children’s hospice that cares for more than 600 families from across Greater Manchester.

Walk in memory of someone special, in solidarity with somebody receiving care, or simply to show your support for your local children’s hospice.

There is a choice of five different routes on offer, including a picturesque wander around Sale Water Park, or any route over any distance can be undertaken.

The Sale Water Park Stroll is a 2.5-mile trail around Sale Water Park offering a scenic, relaxed experience with a nearby café, good Metrolink access and a wheelchair-friendly path.

Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer of Francis House said: “January walks not only provide an opportunity to enjoy the fresh and frosty air, but a chance to take time to reminisce and reflect as a New Year begins; whether that’s remembering a loved one you have lost or looking ahead to your 2024 goals.

“The lovely thing about our Winter Wander is that you can make yours as long or short, as invigorating or gentle, and as sociable or solitary as you wish.

“We hope that the optional route guides we provide offer participants an opportunity to explore new areas of beauty around Manchester and Cheshire. Perhaps you will discover an adventure right on your doorstep that you didn’t even know was there!”

A fee of £10 per participant and £5 for under 16s includes a registration pack containing route guides, a Francis House beanie hat, sweets for sustenance, a child’s activity sheet and a dedication sign to wear as you wander.

Based in Didsbury, Francis House provides a home-from-home where the families of children with life-limiting conditions receive professional care, support and friendship. Services include respite care, daycare, home care, sibling support groups, end-of-life care and symptom control, and emotional support and bereavement support.

To register for a Winter Walk, visit francishouse.org.uk/winter-wander.