When a village community comes together in support of KEMP, it leaves us touched and in awe of the support shown for our Hospice charity.
When a village community comes together in support of KEMP, it leaves us touched and in awe of the support shown for our Hospice charity.
That’s exactly what happened when the village of Cookley gathered on a chilly night in January. They held a Lantern Walk in memory of some of their much-loved friends and family, as two of the nine event organisers Jemma and Becky explain.
Jemma told us “On the 4th of March 2023, I lost a very close and dear friend Sara Bromley (Brom was how I always referred to her). She was such an integral part of our village, working at the village primary school for 21 years, she was known and loved by all who met her. She was a forest school leader like no other and she was adored by all who worked with her and knew her. 2023 was also a horrendous year for another of our close friends and their family. Heartbreakingly, on 20th November 2023 our wonderful friend Drive lost his courageous battle and left behind his beloved wife Debbie and their three incredible children, Lily, Frankie and Harry.”
Fundraising to give back to KEMP Hospice charity
The families of Sara and Drive have been supported by KEMP Hospice. Jemma and Becky decided they wanted to do something as a community to help support the families in their own way and give back to KEMP Hospice. Jemma explains “I remember as a small child, still living in the village of Cookley, a lantern walk was arranged. I can remember the excitement and anticipation of the evening, from creating our lanterns, to getting wrapped up and then starting the walk around the village. The twinkling lights, the warmth of the atmosphere and the magical feeling will stay with me forever.”
Becky continues by saying “KEMP continue to support the families of our much-loved friends as they navigate their journey of grief and loss, and it was at this moment it felt only right to try and do something to give back.”
The Cookley Lantern Walk 2024
In organising the event, people were encouraged to make their own lanterns, with a lantern making competition for the kids involved. The lantern walk took everyone from the Village Hall and Sports Centre, making their way around the village of Cookley with a disco and entertainment to finish the night.
To help raise funds for KEMP Hospice, they also held a raffle, sold glow sticks and other items to help get everyone into the spirit of the event, along with refreshments and a bucket collection.
Becky continued “I won’t lie. The initial work of setting this up seemed really daunting. But with the support and guidance of Steffi from KEMP we ticked all the boxes and my goodness the night made it worth every bit of work. The kids and their lanterns, the aerial photos, the raffle, the tombola, the magician, and the kids disco all came together to make a wonderful night.”
Incredible support from the Cookley community
So far, the Cookley Lantern Walk 2024 has raised a phenomenal £2,010.55 for KEMP Hospice. Steffi Price, Individual Giving and In Memory Fundraiser said “This really was a phenomenal event, a very touching tribute to their friends who are clearly much missed. It was a pleasure to help support their efforts and we can’t thank them enough for raising such an incredible amount for KEMP Hospice. £2,010.55 could pay for 38 children’s bereavement support counselling sessions, working with them to help them as they face life after the loss of a parent, grandparent or loved one. We use creative therapeutic techniques such as the popular game Minecraft to help children and young people talk through their grief. Seeing the community come together and raising funds is wonderful and we are honoured they chose to support KEMP in memory of Sara and Drive.”
Jemma finished by telling us about Sara’s passion, “One of the quotes she often recited was “The true meaning of life is to plant trees; under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” She was a kind; creative and simply wonderful human being and she is missed terribly. Although, we know, with every rustle of leaves, every gentle breeze, and every ray of sunshine from the clouds above, she is right beside us all.”
With big thanks to Chris from Aquis Media the Cookley Lantern Walk was captured on camera with some amazing drone footage that you can view below:
Our Fundraising Team are here to help with support and guidance to hold your own fundraising event for KEMP Hospice. For more information or to talk to one of the team, call us on 01562 756066 or email fundraising@kemphospice.org.uk.