Sunset Walk in Bury St Edmunds – How to get Involved and Support St Nicholas Hospice Care

On the evening of Saturday, 21 June 2025, something wonderful is going to happen in Bury St Edmunds. As the sun begins to set over the iconic Abbey Gardens, hundreds of us will come together for a walk, but this isn’t just any walk.

It’s the Sunset Walk, a special event held in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care, a charity that holds a deep place in the hearts of so many across West Suffolk and Thetford.

What is the Sunset Walk?

The Sunset Walk is a community fundraising event like no other. Now in its second year, this evening walk combines remembrance, celebration, and connection.

With 10km and 15km route options, live music, food, heart-warming stories, and the opportunity to leave a heart wreath in memory of a loved one, this isn’t just a walk, it’s an experience. And it’s all in support of the amazing care provided by St Nicholas Hospice Care.

Last year’s inaugural event raised more than £120,000, with over 1,000 walkers taking part. This year, the team at the hospice, along with event sponsor Greene King, hope it will be even bigger.

“Last year’s event was a truly special evening, filled with remembrance, joy, and togetherness,” says Charlie De-Moore, Events Manager at St Nicholas Hospice Care.
 “Signing up and fundraising makes a real difference to local families when they need it most.”

Why this charity matters

St Nicholas Hospice Care is more than just a place, it’s a source of comfort, dignity, and peace for people facing dying, death and grief.

They support not only patients, but also those who are important to them. Their care reaches beyond medical needs, offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support across West Suffolk and Thetford—wherever people call home.

This charity steps in during the hardest times, creating space for love, laughter, memories, and moments that matter.

Charlie explained: “Fundraising events like the Sunset Walk are vital to us because they mean we can keep our services running. Hospice care goes far beyond treatment—it’s about helping families make the most of their time together, no matter the circumstances. The care we provide creates moments of joy, connection, and love.

“One such moment recently, was a wedding blessing held in our Garden Room, which allowed a father to be by his daughter’s side on her special day. We decorated the space with fairy lights and a red carpet, provided refreshments and a wedding cake, and arranged for our volunteer photographer to capture the occasion.

“Other small yet meaningful gestures bring comfort in creative ways. When a patient mentioned that they missed the taste of their favourite rum and coke, the hospice team found a way to make it possible—by creating rum and coke-flavoured ice lollies. Special date nights, pizza feasts, and afternoon teas have also been arranged to bring warmth to families in their time together.

“And it’s not just people who find comfort at the hospice—pets and even mini donkeys and owls have been welcomed to provide joy and companionship to patients.”

That is what hospice care means. It means saying yes to joy, even when life feels impossibly hard.

Hospice care is personal

The care St Nicholas Hospice provides touches real lives, and that includes families who walk in memory of those they’ve lost.

Among those taking part this year is the family of William Davis, or Wills, as he was affectionately known.

Wills, who had a rare genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, required round-the-clock care. He transitioned to St Nicholas Hospice Care from children’s hospice care at the age of 19 when he needed full palliative support.

After five years of dedicated care, Wills aged 24, spent the final days before his death on October 2, 2023, at the hospice, surrounded by loved ones.

Now, his family and members of his care team are walking in his memory to ensure others receive the same compassionate support.

Wills’ Mum Paula said: “Wills as he was lovingly known, had a rare genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, which caused tumours to grow throughout his body.

“He lived with complex epilepsy, autism, severe learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenged—but above all, he lived with an infectious love for life. With his wicked sense of comic timing and the biggest smile, he brought immense joy to those around him.

“He was always scared in hospital but the hospice gave him, his care team and our family the support to say our goodbyes and tell him how much we loved him.

“We really felt he had the best end we could give him thanks to the hospice. He was so loved by so many. We will always be grateful for the care and comfort given at the worst time of our lives. He was finally out of pain and at peace.

“We all miss him so very much and want to do this walk for Wills. For our son who we love and miss every day. Some of his care team are walking with us too. It’s a good way to mark his life whilst raising money for such a special place.”

Fundraising for St Nicholas Hospice Care means more families like Wills’ can receive the support they need.

Where your fundraising goes

It costs £22,000 a day to run the hospice. Yes, you read that right. And only a fraction of that comes from government funding.

That’s why events like the Sunset Walk matter so much. Every person who signs up, donates, or fundraises plays a role in making hospice care possible.

• £100 could help pay for our Community Nursing Team to visit a patient in their home and help alleviate some of those carer responsibilities from the family members. 
• £250 could help a grieving family member receive vital and specialist one-to-one bereavement counselling sessions.  
• £500 could help fund specialist care nursing support on our in-patient ward, when caring for a loved one at home becomes too difficult or complex. 

But hospice care goes far beyond treatment. It’s about helping families make the most of their time together, no matter the circumstances.

It’s not just about clinical care, it’s about creating meaningful experiences:

• Pizza feasts, afternoon teas, and date nights arranged for families
• Enabling surprise visits from a friend or loved pet
• Enjoying a glass of wine or time in the hospice’s peaceful gardens
• Creating a lasting memory through a hand casting or other creative activity.

These little touches might sound small, but they make a world of difference to someone going through the toughest days of their life.

What to expect on the day

The Sunset Walk is designed to offer a festival-like atmosphere, with live entertainment, a fun warm-up session, and reflection points for those walking in memory of loved ones.

• It starts in the Abbey Gardens at 6pm
   There’s live music, food stalls, and a warm-up session before the walk
   There will be entertainment along the route
   Walkers can leave a tribute at the hospice.

You don’t need to be super-fit. You just need to care, and to walk at your own pace, alongside people who are walking for the same reason: to make a difference.

How you can get involved

Signing up is simple, and you can register here: www.stnh.org.uk/sunset-walk

• Adults: £17.50
• Children (5–17): £13
• Under-5s: Free (all under-18s must be accompanied by an adult).

You’ll get a special Sunset Walk T-shirt to wear with pride, and once you’re signed up, you’ll have access to plenty of tips and resources to help with your fundraising.

Every walker is encouraged to aim for a fundraising target of £100. That might sound like a lot, but it’s easier than you think. Here are a few ideas:

• Ask 10 friends to donate £10
• Organise a bake sale or coffee morning
• Set up a Facebook fundraiser and tell your story
• Ask your workplace to match what you raise.

Even if you can’t walk yourself, you can sponsor someone, spread the word, or make a one-off donation to support the cause.

Walking alongside others who are remembering loved ones, celebrating life, and supporting a charity that holds such importance to our community.

If you’ve ever lost someone, if you’ve ever wanted to support a charity that creates genuine moments of love and connection, then this is your moment to step forward.

Let’s walk for those we miss. Let’s walk for those who need us now. Let’s walk for hospice care that says, because you matter.