THE Northern Ireland Hospice is celebrating 40 years of its annual walk and is encouraging people to join in virtually.
The Hospice Walk is an opportunity for people to "remember, honour and celebrate the life of someone they love".
With coronavirus restrictions still in place meaning people are unable to come together to mark the occasion, the charity hopes participants will step out and have their own Hospice Walk on April 18, or a day that suits.
Anyone can take part wherever they are in the world with participants able to plan their route to take in places of particular significance or landmarks connected to special memories with loved ones.
Give My Head Peace star and NI Hospice vice-president Olivia Nash is urging supporters to put their best foot forward.
"The Covid pandemic has had a devastating impact on Northern Ireland Hospice’s funding," she said.
"Despite the challenges that they have faced, they have continued to provide outstanding care to people during the most difficult times.
"This year, they need the support of our local community, now more than ever, to help raise much-needed funds to continue to deliver its vital palliative care services."
NI Hospice director Mary McCall added: "The Hospice Walks are a wonderful tradition in hospice and we are hoping that people will step out and join us as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.
"We have found that people taking part in our Hospice Walk treasure the event as a unique opportunity to actively remember, honour and celebrate the life of someone they love.
"With more and more people exploring the great outdoors during the lockdown period, the Hospice Walk is also the perfect motivation to get active and to gain a peace of mind.
"Events like the Hospice Walk are vital in helping to support the overall running costs of the Hospice, which totals £16m.
"The majority of our income comes from the generosity of the local community across Northern Ireland and we are continually humbled by the support that we receive and grateful for every single donation.
"We have seen the demand for our specialist service increase over the last year, and with the help of our supporters, we can continue to be there for families when they need us most."
To register for this year’s Hospice Walk, visit www.nihospice.org/walk
