SUFFOLK: When Terry York and his family step put in support of an Ipswich charity later this month it will be a very emotional journey. Mr York, 44, his wife Buffy, 41, and 11-year-old son Nick are taking part in St Elizabeth Hospice's Walk of Thoughts.

SUFFOLK: When Terry York and his family step put in support of an Ipswich charity later this month it will be a very emotional journey.

Mr York, 44, his wife Buffy, 41, and 11-year-old son Nick are taking part in St Elizabeth Hospice's Walk of Thoughts.

They will be stepping out in memory of his father, Maurice, who passed away in September last year.

The 69-year-old, who fell ill while visiting from Liverpool, died just a week after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.

He was only in the hospice for a few days but the family - who live in Eustace Road, Ipswich - are extremely grateful for the care he received.

They are now hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity during its six-mile Walk of Thoughts, which is happening at 10am on Sunday, February 21, from Framlingham Castle.

Mr York, who works at Staples, in Colchester, said: “I didn't even know St Elizabeth Hospice existed until my dad was diagnosed. He was complaining of stomach pains and was diagnosed with cancer of the stomach and died within a week.

“He was only at the hospice for two days, but it is a fantastic place. The people were so kind and the whole ambience of the place was so relaxing.

“The walk will be a very emotional time because my dad was my best friend, I can't believe he has gone.

“After he died the hospice told us about the Walk of Thoughts and we decided it would be a nice thing to do as a family - we wanted to give something back.”

It is still not too late to sign up for the walk and community fundraiser Laura Backhouse urged people to get involved.

“It is an opportunity to remember a friend or loved one or to simply enjoy walking in beautiful surroundings,” she said. “All ages are welcome to join in and all money raised will enable us to continue providing our care free of charge to the local community.”

To sponsor Mr York visit www.justgiving.com/Terry-York.

Walk of Thoughts: How to get involved

Registration fees in advance are �5.50 for adults and �3.50 for under 16s.

On the day it will be �7 for adults and �5 for under 16s.

Families (maximum of two adults and two under 16s) pay �15 or �20 on the day.

For more information or a registration form, please contact the fundraising team on 01473 723600, email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or visit www.stelizbethhospice.org.uk to download a form online.