Bluebell Walk raises £45,000!

We welcomed walkers of all ages on Sunday 3 May 2026 to enjoy a six-mile Bluebell Walk through the Kent countryside in aid of the hospice.

This year’s Bluebell Walk has raised an incredible £45,500 so far, with the total expected to rise further when final sponsorship money is collected.

To officially open the walk we had two very special guests: Ivor Knight, who has taken part in and fundraised for every single Bluebell Walk, and Mayor Cllr Martin Round of Maidstone.

What started as a cloudy day, quickly turned into a sunny event as the sun lit up the beautiful bluebell fields. Dogs, families, and friends made their way through the route together in matching Bluebell Walk T-Shirts - some completing it as a long-standing tradition, others stepping in memory of someone they loved.

Our incredible volunteers were out in force, keeping things running smoothly from start to finish - marshalling the route, cheering walkers on, and making sure everyone had what they needed along the way. A huge thank you to every single one of them.

We were also delighted to have Wildshark Vineyard sponsor a water station on the route, keeping walkers refreshed as they went. And for those who brought four-legged company, dog behaviouralist Justin Gilmore joined us on the day to offer tips and advice to anyone walking with their dogs.

This year felt extra special. 2026 marks our 35th anniversary, and having so many people show up was a reminder of just how much this community cares.

Lyndsey Stukalov-Stone, Head of Family Support, on the importance of our Family Support team being at our Bluebell Walk:

"It’s been a real privilege to support the Bluebell Walk and be able to meet so many families who are here today remembering their loved ones. Bringing together families and seeing the support offered within those families has been touching.

We were able to talk about our bereavement service and how our journey continues for up to 2 years supporting the families of loved ones that have died under our care."

Thank you to every single person who walked, donated, and cheered us on.

A special thank you to:

• Our wonderful volunteers
• Justin Gilmore, dog behaviouralist
• Marley Farm for providing refreshments, kindly sponsored by Duckhurst Farm
• South East 4X4 for their support on the route
• Wildshark Vineyard for sponsoring the water station and donating the raffle prize
• Culina Group for the Stories Bench
• Steve James, photographer
• Aimee Lucking, videographer

Events like this are only possible because of this community - and the funds raised go directly towards caring for people when they need us most.

If you'd like to get involved next year, keep an eye on our events page for updates.