Tickets are now available for Starlight Walk at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Saturday 1 November, in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity.
Starlight Walk follows a 6km route through the beautiful Holyrood Park and is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago, to remember their much-loved babies by joining this lantern-lit walk alongside other bereaved parents and families.
Parents taking part in the Starlight Walk have spoken about why they are doing this and what it means to them.
Bereaved mum, Michelle said: “My angel, Ava Lilly, gained her wings on 1 October 2011. A day that should have been a celebration of her life had overnight turned into my world falling apart. I had a perfect pregnancy, other than her being small, there were no issues, and when she was placed in my arms, she was the perfect little baby.
“Every anniversary I always wonder what she would be like and hate that this was taken from me. I take part in the Sands Starlight Walk for all our babies, because I know that every angel was too perfect for this world, and to be among others that have been through the same gives me comfort and peace knowing I’m not alone in this journey.”
Registration on the day opens from 3pm in the South Hall Complex, University of Edinburgh, EH16 5AR.
The 6km walk begins at 4pm and will take you from South Hall, into Holyrood Park and around Arthur’s Seat, returning to South Hall where you’ll receive your Starlight Walk medal and refreshments.
Once at 150 metres elevation, the walkers will be able to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh City Centre, looking out towards Duddington Loch, before heading back under magical starlight with their lanterns and torches shining brightly.
Tickets are £17.00 for adults, £12.00 for children (under 16) and free for children under 3 and are now available to purchase online.
Everyone that registers will receive a paper lantern and LED candle to carry on the walk, a walking memory card to wear with pride, a Starlight Walkmedal once they have crossed the finish line, and a well-earned tea or coffee and cake in reception with an opportunity to add to our wall of remembrance.
Sands’ Events Fundraising Manager, Liz Williams said: “For those that are unable to attend the event in Edinburgh on 1 November, there is also a Virtual Starlight Walk taking place which can be completed anywhere in the UK on 7 December, on your own or with a loved one.
“Sign up for free and stroll through the countryside, march through the town or simply let your feet lead the way as you walk either 5 or 10km for Sands. Like starlight itself, the love for our babies is endless, and together we will walk through the darkness and find the light.”
Every day 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Sands works to understand where and why babies die and why some women and babies are more at risk than others.
Sands is determined to save every life it can and ensure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it.
For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk visit:
https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/starlight-walk
For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk at Home: