Nightwalk has special meaning for Brend Collection staff

Leg-warmers, neon and all things 1980s will be the theme for next month’s Nightwalk in aid of North Devon Hospice – and for one local group of ladies, the event has even extra meaning.

Not only is the team from well-known local hospitality brand the Brend Collection this year’s headline sponsor, but the hospice has a special place in the hearts of the group – and one in particular.

Nightwalk returns for a 16th year on Saturday, May 11, with a choice of routes between Barnstaple and Bideford that will see hundreds of women and girls step out after dark to show their support for the many local patients and families cared for by the hospice.

As long-term supporters and headline sponsor for this year’s event, the team from the Brend Collection is delighted to be taking part, especially revenue manager Amy Sowden, who has more reason than most to appreciate the work the charity does.

She said: “Having had several family members cared for by the hospice including my nan and grandad and now my sister-in-law who is terminally ill, it’s important to me personally to champion the work of the hospice.

“When my nan was admitted to the hospice’s Bedded Unit in her last few days of life, having their support gave us time to just be family again and took away the stress of having the care for her.

“We could just be with her, talk, and remember the good times together. My son also had some art therapy while we were there and he absolutely loved it. As a family, I don’t know how we would have operated without them.”

The Brend Collection operates hospitality venues across Devon and Cornwall including the Park, Imperial and Barnstaple hotels plus restaurants and spas.

Nightwalk always encourages fancy dress and the theme for this year is the 1980s, transporting walkers back to the era of neon lights, leg warmers and some iconic songs.

Amy added: “We’re super excited to be part of Nightwalk this year – there’s lots of talk about what we’re going to wear and it’s definitely a hot topic of conversation in the office right now!

“As a business, we know how much the hospice touches the lives of local people and this is why we’ve continued to support by hosting our annual Sportsmans Dinner and sponsoring events like Nightwalk. It’s a wonderful charity that’s close to all of our hearts.”

Now in its 16th year, Nightwalk is one of the hospice’s flagship events and always brings women and girls of all ages together for a night of treasured memory-making, as Amy explains.

She said: “What I love about Nightwalk is that it’s a fun event that gets the whole community together for an amazing cause. I’ve taken part three times before – twice walking and once marshalling.

“I find walking with different sets of family or friends great fun – we all have such a laugh and a fabulous time! The Brends team and I hope to see lots of local ladies joining us on the night!

To walk alongside the ladies from Brend Collection and show your support for patients and families at North Devon Hospice, sign up for Nightwalk by CLICKING HERE