“Every step will be for Lee and the hospice,” said an Ipswich-mum-of-two who will take part in the Midnight Walk to commemorate her late husband.

Lena Porter will pay tribute to her husband, Lee Porter, who died at age 46 in January 2022, from bowel cancer, while under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, May 20, with more than 840 participants already signed up.

Mrs Porter said: “I did the Midnight Walk a few years ago with work colleagues, as we were keen to support such an important local charity, but I had no idea in the coming years I would have my own hospice connection.

“When we took part in the Midnight Walk it really was a buzzing night. Lots of energy and laughter and a great party atmosphere.

“This time there will be plenty of meaning behind why I am taking part and I am very proud to be doing this in tribute to Lee.

Ipswich Star: Lee Porter with his sons Danny and Jay, Family archivesLee Porter with his sons Danny and Jay, Family archives (Image: Family archives)

“It’s going to be a big night, but I will have friends and family with me as we complete our walks.

“Every step will be for Lee and the hospice, as we show our gratitude for the amazing care they gave him and our family.

“The hospice staff treated Lee with such respect and dignity, and they fought for him all the way.

“Prior to St Elizabeth Hospice I felt alone in caring for Lee, but with the hospice I could lean on them too, as they supported Lee, myself, and my whole family.”

READ MORE: Hawk Express Cabs sponsors of Midnight Walk

St Elizabeth Hospice’s much-loved remembrance event, Suffolk Remembers, also returns in 2023 and will take place on Wednesday, June 21.

Every year the event sees 5,000 candles displayed along Felixstowe seafront as hundreds of people gather to remember their loved ones.

Ipswich Star: Sally Girt, Family archivesSally Girt, Family archives (Image: Family archives)

In 2022, Peter Girt attended Suffolk Remembers with his family - son Matthew, daughter Claire, and grandchildren - to remember his wife Sally Girt, 67, who died from cancer in February 2022 at home, while under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice.

Ipswich Star:  Suffolk Remembers returns on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Nick Butcher Photography Suffolk Remembers returns on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, Nick Butcher Photography (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)