LOCAL children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House, is launching its 2023 events programme to help boost your get up and go.
Run, walk, trek or parachute – there’s something for everyone! This year is extra special for the charity too, as Julia’s House marks a 20-year milestone of providing a lifeline of care to local seriously ill children and their families.
Julia’s House supports Westbury teen, Josselin Tilley, who was the face of the charity’s Christmas appeal last year.
Chantelle Shave, Julia’s House events fundraiser, said, “We’d love to get as many people as possible involved in our 2023 events. It is a very special year for us and of course we wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the amazing support of the local community over the last 20 years.
“We know it is a challenging time for us all, but the families we support need our help more than ever, so the money raised from our events this year will be so important in helping us to continue to provide our life-changing care.”
There are a number of events to choose from, whether you want to take things at a slower pace or prefer to opt for a fast-moving challenge:
The Great Wiltshire Walk is back for 2023: Join the Great Wiltshire Walk, knowing every step you take will help give exhausted and anxious families a break from 24/7 care. You will take in the panoramic views of the Wiltshire countryside and walk amongst Avebury’s World Heritage Stone Circle. With new special 20 mile and 20k routes to mark the charity’s 20-year anniversary, the Great Wiltshire Walk takes place on Sunday 14th May.
Jump around: The views don’t get more panoramic than those from 13,000 feet up in the air. If a parachute jump is on your wish list, sign up for a tandem skydive and see the world as you’ve never seen it before. The jump takes place at the Army Parachute Association near Salisbury on Saturday 10th June. Booking deadline is Saturday 29th April.
Run Bath Half: Join the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday 15th October and enjoy the support of thousands of spectators who line the route to cheer on the runners in a traffic-free Bath. Julia’s House has got 20 places up for grabs. It’s a great goal for training, whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your time.
More information: To sign up or find out more about any of the Julia’s House 2023 challenge events go to juliashouse.org/event-listing/get-active
Chantelle said, “All the money raised from the challenge events will help Julia’s House to continue its vital care for local families, from providing expert clinical and emotional support to helping vulnerable families access grants and benefits that can help them through the current cost of living crisis.
“With more children living longer with increasingly complex medical conditions requiring round the clock care, the essential respite breaks Julia’s House gives to families couldn’t be more critical. The continued support of the local community is vital to our future.”
Julia’s House is the local children’s hospice dedicated to supporting the families of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in the heart of the community. The charity has been providing its bespoke respite, medical and practical care since 2003, firstly in Dorset and then expanding to support children and families in Wiltshire from 2013.
Julia’s House is there for the whole family, not just the sick child. Parents can choose when, where and how they receive their care – at home, in the community or at one of the charity’s two hospices in Devizes and Corfe Mullen – making it a truly flexible service.
Pictured: The Great Wiltshire Walk.