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On Saturday 12 June 2010, hundreds of people across the province took part in a 'Memory Walk' in remembrance of a loved one. They enjoyed some of Northern Ireland's most scenic walking locations, whilst raising vital funding for the volunteer based charity Cruse Bereavement Care.
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One of the participants said, "It was a wonderful day out and releasing balloons in memory of our loved ones was a very moving experience". One of the walks, in support of the Cruse Belfast Area, Regional Office and the Remember our Child Project, was held at Stormont Estate. The participants released bio-degradable balloons and tied messages to a tree in memory of their loved ones. These messages will be buried under the Cruse Memory Tree in a ceremony at Roselawn cemetery, later this year.
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For 50 years Cruse has been helping to restore hope to bereaved people and demand for its services is continuing to increase as more and more people come to the charity for help. Last year in Northern Ireland, Cruse took over 9,000 enquiries from bereaved people and Cruse volunteers conducted over 7,500 one-to-one bereavement support sessions. |
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Approximately £13,790 (and rising) was raised at the event which allows Cruse to continue to provide a wide range of free bereavement services, including one-to-one bereavement support services, the Children and Young People's services and the support to bereaved parents and families through the Remember our Child Project.
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"When my husband died I felt unable to cope. Everything was so black but Cruse were there for me. With patience, encouragement and support from my Cruse volunteer I am now stronger and able to take the next step on my own. Cruse is a lifeline for people that need help. I can never thank them enough.”
(Former Cruse Client)
We held walks at seven scenic locations:
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Stormont Estate, Belfast
(Supporting Cruse Belfast Area, Remember Our Child and NI Regional Office)
A walk through attractive woodland and parkland with many interesting features including Parliament Buildings (approx 2.5 miles).
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Crawfordsburn Country Park
(Supporting Cruse North Down and Ards)
A gentle walk taking in the Wildflower Meadow, areas of mature woodland, and a coastal stretch (approx 2 miles).
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Florence Court, Enniskillen
(Supporting Cruse Omagh/Fermanagh)
Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland, Florence Court enjoys a majestic setting on the Fermanagh-Cavan border (walks range from approx 1-5 miles).
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Portglenone Forest Park, Ballymena
(Supporting the Cruse Northern Area including Ballymena and Ballymoney)
Portglenone Forest Park is classified as an ancient woodland and has well marked nature trails with the River Bann flowing through the forest (approx 2.6 miles).
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Peatlands Park, Dungannon
(Supporting Cruse Armagh/Dungannon)
Peatlands Park is a patchwork of bog, lakes, and woodland. There are walks ranging from one mile to five and a half miles so you can select a walk which suits you best.
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Newry Canal Walk, Newry
(Supporting Cruse Newry and Mourne)
This walk starts at the Canal Quay and takes you along the restored towpath of the former Newry Canal (approx 3 miles).
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Foyle
River Walk, Derry
(Supporting Cruse Foyle)
A riverside walk along the middle stretches of the Foyle starting at Dacre Terrace (approx 4 miles)
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