Kingston Hospital Charity is calling on the local community to raise funds to support bereaved families by taking part in their sponsored walk on 9 September.

Family, friends, and colleagues will come together and celebrate the lives of loved ones, whilst walking a route of five miles or 13 miles, starting and finishing at the Market Place in Kingston.

Dr Laura Nightingale, Consultant and Clinical Lead Specialist for Palliative Care at Kingston Hospital, said: "Grief and bereavement can be a confusing, isolating and lonely place so we want to make sure our families and next-of-kin are supported.

"That is why we are raising money for a Bereavement Support Practitioner, someone who can offer help between the hospital and the community, so those that are bereaved feel supported and can go on to lead happy and healthy lives."

Last year, Kingston Hospital Charity's Night to Remember memory walk raised over £30,000 and this year, the charity is hoping to raise £50,000 to expand its support for bereaved families.

Volunteers on sponsored walk for Kingston Hospital Charity. (Photo: Kingston Hospital Charity)

Justine Sweet, General Manager (Specialist Surgery, Specialist Outpatients and Cancer Services) and Head of Audiology at Kingston Hospital, took part in the event last year.

Ms Sweet said: "I walked with a group of my colleagues in memory of Aslam Mussa. His unexpected passing was such a shock to all who knew and loved him. As we walked through the night, we reflected on our memories with both laughter and tears, whilst raising over £1,470 in his name. What a fabulous event."

Registration for the event costs £20 for adults and £10 for children, and each participant will receive a t-shirt and a medal. Dogs on leads are welcome to participate.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.khc.org.uk/events/nighttoremember/ or contact Fundraising Manager, Tracey Shaw - email [email protected] or call 020 8973 5040.