WHEN Diane Wilson steps out in support of St Elizabeth Hospice next month the memory of her beloved husband Chris will not be far away.

WHEN Diane Wilson steps out in support of St Elizabeth Hospice next month the memory of her beloved husband Chris will not be far away.

Mr Wilson died on December 30, 2007 - just a few weeks after his 65th birthday - following a brave fight against a brain tumour.

He spent his final days in the hospice and the care he received from the nurses and staff was second to none.

Now Mrs Wilson, 64, from Stowmarket, is taking part in a Walk of Thoughts in memory of her husband and to help raise money for the Ipswich based charity, which cares for people with a terminal illness and offers vital support to their family and friends.

She said: “I enjoy walking and know it's something I can do to help the hospice - I don't think I could manage a marathon!

“It will of course be a very emotional day but I'm looking forward to it. The support that both Chris and I have received from the hospice has been beyond wonderful.

“It's everything that an NHS hospital should aspire to be. They couldn't do enough for both of us. They were just so lovely and really kept his dignity for him.

“Chris was a very proud man and the things that some of the carers had to do for him he would have hated for me to have to do.

“They just went that extra mile and whenever you called somebody arrived. Everyone who has had a loved one in the hospice owes them such a huge debt.”

The six mile walk - on Sunday, February 22 - starts at Leiston Leisure Centre and takes in grassy lanes and cliff paths before arriving at Thorpeness and winding back across scenic heathland and sandy tracks.

Laura Backhouse, community fundraiser at St Elizabeth Hospice, said “The Walk of Thoughts is an opportunity to remember a friend or loved one or to simply enjoy walking in beautiful surroundings.

“It is also a great way to blow away the winter cobwebs, to keep fit in the New Year and to help support your local hospice at the same time. 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.”