“I’ve signed up to the Moonlight Walk after Dougie Mac cared for my dad”

Four years ago, Dougie Mac helped care for Tracey Harrison’s dad, Graham Parker.

Now, as a thank you for the care he received, she is taking part in the Moonlight Walk through the streets of Stoke-on-Trent to help raise vital funds for our care and services.

Graham was looked after by the Hospice at Home team after being diagnosed with bladder cancer after previously having had bowel cancer.

Tracey, who will be joining hundreds of other supporters for the walk on Friday, 20th June, said: “My dad was diagnosed with cancer for the second time and was given just two days to a week to live.

“It was a massive shock but within 24 hours of the diagnosis the Hospice at Home team at Dougie Mac had everything in place. They were absolute angels, and the care was amazing until the very end. Dougie Mac allowed my dad to have the most dignified and respectful death as possible.”

Graham died on 27th November 2021, ten days after his diagnosis. He was 89.

Tracey continued: “Thanks to the team, we were able to make the most magical and amazing memories with my dad to make sure his last days with us were very special.

“Not only were the Dougie Mac team there for my dad to help make those memories, but they were there for the family too and even after my dad died, they continued to care for the family and offered us bereavement counselling, which was very much appreciated.”

This is the second time Tracey will be taking part in the Moonlight Walk having previously raised £550. And, as well as walking the 10 miles for her dad, this time she will also be remembering her sister-in-law, Val Parker, who died in May last year.

Tracey said: “Although Val wasn’t cared for by Dougie Mac, my brother had bereavement counselling, and the team were superb.

“Last time I took part in the walk it was such an amazing experience. People were coming out of their houses to cheer and clap and there was such a carnival atmosphere.

“This time round I will be talking part with a Stoke-on-Trent walking group called the Walkie Talkies and I’ll be in a pink t-shirt, tutu and wearing a pink wig too – I’m sure it will be emotional but I’m happy to participate for such a wonderful cause.”

The hugely popular 10-mile walk is setting off from St Peter’s Academy, Fenton, at 10pm on Friday, 20th June.

Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said: “The walk is a hugely fun event that brings hundreds of people together to support their local hospice. We’ll meet at St Peter’s Academy, Fenton from 8pm, where our walkers will be greeted by an entertainment stage with live music, refreshment stands and a glitter station. There will then be a short warm up before it’s time to hit the streets at 10pm.

“While our Moonlight Walk is a fun, lively event, many of our walkers will be taking part in memory of a loved one who has been cared for by Dougie Mac, which also makes the walk really special.

With just a few weeks to go until the walk, there’s still time to sign up and make a difference. Participants can secure their place for just £20, with a commitment to getting sponsorship and raising money for Dougie Mac.

However, for those who’d like to take part but are unable to commit to additional fundraising, there’s also a non-fundraising entry of £35.

Everyone who enters will receive a Moonlight Walk t-shirt to wear on the night, and, when they cross the finish line in the early hours of the morning, they will receive a medal too. 

Deborah added: “Not only are our events lots of fun, but they also play a vital role in helping us to raise the money we need to continue our care and support services for local children, young adults and adults. If you take part, you will have a brilliant night and you will also be making a real difference to our local community.”

Registration for Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk is open at www.dougiemac.org.uk/moonlight-walk

Pictured: Graham and Val Parker