'It’s all about the life in your days, not the days in your life' - North Devon Hospice

It was incredibly sad to see that Deborah James, who had become known to the nation as ‘Bowel Babe’, passed away last month.

She bravely chronicled her journey through bowel cancer in the most intimate detail and in the most public of ways, all to raise awareness about what it’s like to live with such an illness.

She has helped countless people come to terms with a similar life-limiting illness, and even to recognise symptoms early so that they can be treated.

Despite Deborah’s passing, she would not want anyone to focus on her death, but to celebrate the life that she led.

Even in her final days she would post on social media about some of the precious memories she was making with her family and loved ones. It was a timely reminder that life is for living, and that each day is a gift.

It’s all about the life in your days, not the days in your life. Our teams put so much time and effort into creating wonderful moment for those they look after, making sure that people’s final days are given the same love, care and attention as their first.

Deborah James gave us a very public and very visible example of why it is so important to live your best life until your final breath.

Here in North Devon we are providing exactly this kind of care and providing similar precious memories to dozens of people every single day.

This essential care is only possible thanks to the amazing generosity of the local community.

In September you have an opportunity to show your support for people exactly like Deborah James, people in your own town who are facing a life-limiting illness and want to retain their dignity and happiness right to the end.

Nightwalk is stunning evening of lights, live music and a little sprinkle of magic.

Up to 1,000 local women will walk together in the amazing ground of Castle Hill estate in Filleigh.

Taking place on Saturday 10th September, every pound raised will provide care and support to someone local who is facing an illness like cancer right now.

Those who have taken part in Nightwalk before will know how special the atmosphere is, but this year will be on another level, as we aim to give local ladies a night to remember.

For the first time ever, we are delighted to be offering a pre-event party and even a post-event party too! So the music will be pumping and the lights will be glittering, as you gather your friends for a truly memorable experience.

Entertainers and musicians are scattered on the route, which winds through the stunning gardens at Castle Hill, providing a surprise around every corner.

We are lucky to be working with an incredible creative lighting engineer who will be bringing some breath-taking installations to life, which will transform the whole landscape when the sun goes down. With everything that is happening in the world right now, a little escapism like this is just what we need!

Life is all about making memories and Nightwalk gives you the chance to do just that. Grab your friends, experience something special together, and do it for a cause which helps people right here on your doorstep.

North Devon is like no other community in the country and I consider myself fortunate to be part of it.

I know that this community will come together and help make Nightwalk 2022 the biggest and best ever.

I will leave you with the final message that Deborah James left to her followers, which reminds us that we have one life to live , she said: “Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.”

We hope to see plenty of you rebels at Nightwalk in September. Sign up now at nightwalk.co.uk.