8th October

On Sunday 7th October, Guild Care hosted its 6th annual Walk to Remember, which saw over 170 supporters set off from Beach House Grounds on a 5k or 10k route along Worthing’s seafront.

The revamped event was a huge success as participants gathered to support and help raise vital funds for Guild Care’s community support services. Guild Care provides over 30 services to people aged 5 - 105 living within Worthing and its surrounding areas. From dementia care, home care, care homes and community transport to providing carers with a much-needed break, they aim to reduce isolation, support people to live independently for longer and to live well.

There were many personal reasons why people choose to take part. Participants Carol, Tina, Debbie and Louie the dog came out on Sunday to show their support.

Carol said, “I got involved as I’ve got a dear friend whose struggle [with dementia] is now over. But there are three people – my mum, Tina’s mum, and a cousin – who are currently suffering with it. We just like to contribute to help fight this awful challenge. I’ve enjoyed today very much, it’s been a perfect day. I’ve had a lovely time.”

A team made up of local Tesco employees - Ashley, Paula, Sarah and Myra - ran the 10k route together.  Ashley said, “I lost my mum in 2010. She was 67, so that’s why I’m doing it today. It’s fantastic – it’s a good run out.”

Sarah added, “I ran for my grandad who we lost 10 years ago and my nan who sadly lost her life nine years ago. I’ve enjoyed myself today – it was brilliant!”

    

Guild Care would like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress of Worthing for showing their support and handing out medals, as well as Town Crier, Bob Smytherman, whose resounding and supportive voice could be heard throughout the event. We would also like to thank Sarah Simmons from SK Dance, who organised the warm-up for participants before everyone set off.

This year, for the first time, the event finished with a mini festival complete with a bouncy castle, tea cups, singing chef Jean de Rien and Terry Carvey, a variety of food stalls and a penalty shoot-out ran by the Chelsea FC Foundation.

Events Officer, Juliet Hinton-Smith said, “This year’s Walk to Remember was a great day and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The weather was perfect for a sunny walk along Worthing’s seafront, followed by music and food at Beach House Grounds. Thank you so much to everyone for coming along and supporting Guild Care and we hope to see you at next year’s walk!”

The event brought together both young and old with participants as young as three walking and running alongside their family as well as residents from Guild Care’s three care homes aged up to 100 taking part. They all came together to support the charity, making it a truly inclusive family event.

Rebecca Scarratt, 62, who takes part in the event every year, was the first finisher. She ran the 5k route in an impressive 36 minutes.

          

Suzanne Millard, Chief Executive of Guild Care said, “We would like to express our gratitude to all those walkers and runners who showed up on Sunday to support our charity. Their support not only raises awareness for Guild Care, but also raises vital funds for our community support services that are crucial for people in the local community. We would also like to thank the generosity of our amazing volunteers who give up their time to help us at events like this; we couldn’t do it without them.”

Guild Care is very grateful to photographer Jason Keffert who volunteered his time and their sponsors and supporters: Jacobs Steel, The Protein Ball Company, Wall Bros, Vadtel, MHA Carpenter Box and Connect Catering.