THE deadline for Mountbatten Hampshire’s Sunflower Walk is 5pm on June 25.

The walk itself at the Broadlands Estate, near Romsey, will be on Sunday July 4 – registration from 9am; walk from 10am to 2pm.

It is the flagship event for Mountbatten Hampshire, the local hospice and end of life care service for Southampton and west

Hampshire.

You can register at - www.mountbattenhampshire.org.uk/Event/sunflowerwalk2021 or telephone the Fundraising Team on 02382 548801.

There is a five kilometre (5K) walk and the option, if you cannot make it on the day, to ‘Walk Your Way’ walking the 5K on a different day.

Entertainment on the day will be provided by Berni Wyse Fitness Zumba, Sweet Charity Choir, and the 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band, ‘The Spitfires’.

The host on the day will be Denis Bundy and principal guests are Caroline Nokes MP and Cllr Neil Gwynne, Deputy Mayor of Romsey. Mountbatten Hampshire CEO Nigel Hartley

will also be present.

Nigel Hartley, chief executive of Mountbatten, said: “Although further easing of COVID restrictions has been rolled forward to July 19 the fact that our Sunflower Walk is held in the open air

and beautiful grounds of the Broadlands Estate and the fact that we will all be on the move, makes it possible for us to proceed with the Sunflower Walk, one of our flagship

events. This last year has been challenging for us all. At Mountbatten, our vital work caring for those living with death, dying and bereavement has continued. However, our usual fundraising efforts, which support our essential and growing work, have been curtailed. Now you can help us, with your family and friends, by joining our Mountbatten Sunflower Walk on Sunday July 4.”

Fundraising is vital to ensure Mountbatten can continue its essential work for the dying and bereaved:

• £100 could provide a course of bereavement support sessions;

• £200 could give someone a day of personal care, helping them remain in the comfort of their own home;

• £250 could pay for a Mountbatten Nurse to be with a dying patient at home during the night;

• £350 could pay for a 24-hour stay in a bed on its hospice ward.

Mr Hartley added: “We’re very grateful to the Countess Mountbatten of Burma for agreeing to a special opening of the Broadlands Estate at Romsey. We’re also very grateful to all our sponsors.

"Taking part in the Sunflower Walk within the beautiful surroundings of Broadlands is a really special occasion and we are very thankful to everyone who participates to raise funds for Mountbatten Hampshire, your local hospice and end of life care service. Please do everything you can to join us on what will undoubtedly be a very special day.”

Rebecca Billington, staff nurse at Mountbatten Hampshire added: “If you live in Southampton and west Hampshire, Mountbatten Hampshire is your local Hospice. Every penny helps, and everyone’s support can help ensure that our services continue for those living with death, dying and bereavement. By joining in, participants can remember their loved ones.”