IN 2005, keen long-distance walker and grandmother, Beryl Griffiths, walked more than 600 miles from Lowestoft to St David’s Head to raise money for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Beryl, from Bridgwater, documented her walk and published a book, Granny Trek, about her adventures crossing Middle England and South Wales with her two dogs.

Having raised more than £200,000 from her walk, Beryl inspired hundreds of others from the community to join ‘mini’ Granny Treks, which too supported the work of CHSW’s hospices.

Now, aged 80, Beryl is putting her walking boots back on and taking part in the charity’s Memories by Moonlight; an event in which participants can walk in memory of a loved one and join in a virtual Memory Ceremony, hosted by CHSW on September 26.

Beryl will be walking five miles while remembering her beloved husband Tony, who died in May this year, and asking friends and family to donate to the charity in his memory.

“Tony and I were blessed with 40 years together,” she said. “This featured countless miles backpacking before tackling the JOGLE in 1995 - a 1,300-mile trek along footpaths from John O’Groats to Land’s End with no backup.

“The joys and trials of that four-month adventure bonded our already close relationship into a closeness only death could part.

“Although he couldn’t join me on Granny Trek in 2005 due to ill-health, his unwavering support and innovative ideas were the bedrock of its success and I felt him with me in spirit every step of the 600 miles.

“The vast sum of money subsequently raised for CHSW was in no small way down to Tony.”

Somerset County Gazette:

FINISH: At the end of the 1,300-mile trek in 1995

Kylie Gallagher, community fundraiser at CHSW, said: “We are honoured that Beryl is walking again for our cause and remembering Tony and their many happy years together. Anyone can take part in Memories by Moonlight; it is about remembering loved ones no longer with us and cherishing their memory.”

Beryl added: “My own dedication to the children’s hospice movement comes from the good fortune to raise three children.

“Knowing the stresses and strains of caring for children who are well, it’s impossible to imagine the devastating tiredness and tortured emotions of parents of such very sick young people, who they must lose so cruelly.

“I’ve decided that I’ll climb Brent Knoll with my granddaughter as part of the Memories by Moonlight event.

“This walk will be a perfect way to remember Tony, who spent his childhood years during the war living in East Brent.

“Some members of my walking group - Friends Walking Together - will be invited to join us and I’ll have ‘goodie bags’ of cake in the boot of the car to give them at the end.

“They will be warned that a CHSW collection box awaits them and donations from non-participants will also be welcomed.”

All funds raised from Memories by Moonlight will help CHSW deliver care to more than 500 families from across the South West.

Everyone who signs up to take part in Memories by Moonlight will receive a beautiful memory pack in the post containing a candle bag, a tea light, a memory box and the Memory Ceremony service booklet. On the evening of September 26, CHSW will be broadcasting the ceremony live from its Little Harbour hospice in Cornwall, which participants are able to watch from the comfort of their home.

In addition, people will be invited to contribute to the Memories by Moonlight online dedication page - adding a loved one’s name, photograph and a personal message.

Memories by Moonlight is kindly sponsored by National Friendly.

To register, visit www.chsw.org.uk/moonlight