Five-year-old Ella Lockwood to walk seven-mile charity hospice walk in memory of great-grandmother

Five-year-old Ella Lockwood from Heywood is gearing up for a 7.25-mile charity walk to raise money for Springhill Hospice in memory of her beloved great-grandmother.

Ella, of Omrod Road, had a special bond with her ‘great nanny’ Carol Perkins, who died aged 80 after a 12-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ella was Carol’s first great-grandchild and, although she lived in the Midlands with Ella’s great-grandpa, Peter, Ella would visit regularly and phone her constantly to tell her about her day.

The little girl, who is a pupil at Hopwood Community Primary School, said: “I remember picking blackberries with great nanny and finding a beautiful dragonfly. I always used to sit with great nanny in her chair having cuddles.”

Now Ella is taking part in the circular walk from Springhill Hospice to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and back on Sunday 28 April, hoping to raise £900 in the process.

 

 

The walk will begin at Springhill Hospice on Broad Lane, where the 7.25 mile round trip (a massive 15,000 steps) will take its walkers over to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Oldham.

Walkers will be able to rest their feet, have a brew and a chat at Dr Kershaw’s before making the trip back to Springhill where they will complete the walk and be presented with a commemorative medal, certificate and a well-earned rest.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125978/the-hospice-to-hospice-walk-is-back

Ella, who lives with her mum Jess, dad Martin and little brother Oliver, three, has been preparing for the occasion with five-mile family walks, and even has new boots for the big day.

Ella added: “I am feeling good, because I think it’s a good idea to help the hospice and help the people who are poorly like my great nanny was.”

 

 

Carol was supported by Compton Hospice, near Wolverhampton, attending weekly support groups and it was there where she died with her family by her side. Ella visited her at the hospice and has fond memories of writing about her and sitting with her showing her drawings.

Ella's dad, Martin, an emergency medical technician for the North West Ambulance Service, said: “Ella is very excited, and we are very proud of her. Ella’s great grandpa Peter is also extremely proud of Ella for her fundraising efforts.

“We found out about the walk when I went to the hospice as part of work.

“Ella likes to talk all about my days at work and asked lots of questions about the hospice, remembering her great nanny. When I told her about the walk, she asked if she could help and get them some money to help people.”

Ella has raised approximately £529 for Springhill Hospice in online and offline donations to date.

To support Ella in reaching her £900 goal, visit:

• www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ella-lockwood