WALKING three miles wearing onesies is just what five 17-year-old students from Haslingden High School are doing to say thank you to Rossendale Hospice.
When Amelia Mansfield’s grandmother Valerie Mansfield was diagnosed with cancer two years ago, Rossendale Hospice at home service and Macmillan Nurses ensured her final weeks were spent at home with her loved ones.
That time was precious to her family as Valerie was diagnosed in June and sadly passed away in July.
Amelia said: “When she was diagnosed it was too late for her to be given chemotherapy and Rossendale Hospice really helped her. The nurses came to the house and she was able to be cared for at home.
“It progressed really quickly but we are a close family and we wanted to be able to care for her at home and the hospice nurses and Macmillan enabled us to do that.
“They helped the whole family and supported us throughout. At my gran’s funeral we asked for donations to both charities in lieu of flowers.”
Now Amelia has enlisted the help of four friends to join her in the walk on Sunday July 20 which leaves Marl Pits Leisure Centre in Rawtenstall at 12.30pm heading to Ski Rossendale, down to the main road and onwards to Alder Grange Community and Technology School; before heading back through the town to the park where there will be a host of activities and a DJ.
Amelia said: “Grandma Val moved to Haslingden in 2000 when my mum and I moved up here. My Grandma helped to bring me up as my Mum worked full time.
“She was like a second Mum to me and took me to school and out visiting different people.
“She gave so much, not just to me but to everything she committed to, staying loyal to her church in Brandlesholme and teaching keep fit to many different groups.
“She was constantly getting involved in charities, helping her local community, dancing and spending time with her friends and family. Grandma never had a bad word to say about anyone and was the least judgemental person you could ever meet.
“She was popular with everyone and she adored her friends and family. Grandma made me the person I am today, and was a huge impact on my life and those of everyone she came into contact with.”
Her friend and fellow walker Molly Harris said: “We are going to be holding a bake sale in school to help to raise money.
A JustGiving page is now set up and sponsor forms are available in the Sixth Form Centre and the staff room.
Amelia will also be joined on the walk by Jade Street, Courtney Horsfall and Sophie Burnside.
Amelia said: “The hospice gave us so much it is only right to give something back.”
To join the walk you can register by calling 01706 253633 (press option 3).
Three, Two, Onesie… from left Sophie Burnside, Jade Street, Courtney Horsfall, Molly Harris, and Amelia Mansfield who are completing Rossendale Hospice’s Onesie Walk.