Julie Hardy, a school business manager from Larkfield, is preparing to walk 130 miles this summer to raise funds for Sue Ryder, the palliative and bereavement support charity that cared for her daughter Katie in her final days.
Katie's Story
Katie Hardy, 28, was diagnosed with a rare stomach cancer in March 2023 after first feeling unwell. She received end-of-life care at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Cheltenham. Just days before her death in November last year, she married her partner Jake at the hospice. Staff organised the wedding in just 48 hours after learning of their engagement.
Julie said: "Everyone at Sue Ryder was so kind, caring and compassionate. They did so much for Katie. When Katie arrived, she was asked, 'Is there anything you'd like to do while you are here?' Without hesitation, Katie said that Jake had proposed yesterday and now wanted to get married."
The Memory Walk
Julie's walk, named 'Katie's Memory Walk', will start from Katie's childhood home in Larkfield, Kent, on Saturday, July 25. She will follow footpaths through Otford, Reigate, Guildford, Farnham and Winchester, ending in Southampton, where Katie completed an internship while studying accountancy and where she met Jake.
Julie plans to walk about 15 miles a day for nine days. She has booked hotels along the route and will stay with two of her nieces for the final two stops. Friends and family will join her for parts of the walk.
"It's the furthest distance I've ever walked," Julie said. "I've booked hotels along the way, so there's no going back now."
Fundraising and Healing
Julie hopes the walk will raise vital funds for Sue Ryder and also help her come to terms with her loss. She said: "Organising this walk helps because it's something to focus on, and if I can raise a little something for Sue Ryder, who were there for my daughter at the end, it'd be a nice way to repay their kindness."
Katie, a committed Cub leader, was posthumously awarded the Chief Scout Commendation for Meritorious Conduct for her dedication to the movement, as well as a 10-year leadership award. Julie plans to continue the walks in future years, covering other places Katie lived and worked.
To sponsor Julie's walk, visit katiehardy.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Events/739806281. More information about Sue Ryder is available at sueryder.org.
