The daughter of a woman who died at LOROS has told how taking part in the Twilight Walk on the same day as her mother would have turned 71 was the perfect way to celebrate her birthday.
“I didn’t know how I was going to get through the day but when I got to the Twilight Walk in the evening, I realised it was such a lovely thing to do in mum’s memory,” said Hemy Jagjivan, who took part in the event with her two sisters, daughter and niece.
Hemy’s mother, Savita, who was battling cancer, was cared for by LOROS before she died there last November at the age of 70.
When she was there, the family heard about the Twilight Walk being on their mother’s birthday and knew they had to take part.
“Mum was at peace at LOROS and the care she was given was brilliant. We created so many memories at the Hospice that we will cherish forever, it just seemed right that we raised money for them on her birthday, it just made sense” added Hemy, 49, who along with her family have raised more than £1,400 for LOROS.
"I was actually so surprised to see so many women – and strong women – 
coming together for one cause. Everyone was united and you could feel that as you walked through the city.
“It was the perfect way to wish mum a Happy Birthday.”
More than 1,000 women took part in Saturday’s event, which began and ended at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.
LOROS Ambassador and Hollyoaks star Charlie Clapham was an honorary walker for the event and joined the women, who were all dressed as Fairy-tale Princesses, as they marched through the city.
Charlie Clapham, who was the event’s very own Prince Charming, said: “I’m still buzzing from the event, it was absolutely brilliant. I loved it.
“I can’t believe how many people were there to raise money for LOROS, it was overwhelming.”
Charlie met Hemy and her family when he visited LOROS Hospice last year.
“When I met Hemy at LOROS, I was talking to them about the Twilight Walk and they asked if I was going to be there, from then on it was a no brainer, I knew I wanted to be part of the event” he added.
“Everyone works so hard at LOROS to ensure they continue providing excellent care to so many people, the least I can do is help out at events like this.”
The 10km route snaked around Leicester, with the city’s streets lined with entertainers, including the Gospel Choir, Dhol Drummers, Sambando, Chica Bonita and Sally Renshaw. The night was hosted by Gem 106 radio presenter, Jennie Longdon, with Mr Leicestershire, Grant Cotton and Miss Leicester, Megan Elliott, also in attendance.
LOROS Fundraising Co-ordinator Laura Fitzsawyer said: “Once again, the LOROS Twilight Walk has proved to be such a huge success.
“I would like to thank all of the entertainers, volunteers, staff members and of course, the women who took part in the walk, for all helping to ensure the night was one to remember.
“We hope to have raised more than £40,000 for LOROS on the night, which is great.”
At the start of the evening, the sky was turned pink when each of the participants released a balloon, with a note attached to it, in memory of a loved one.
So far, some of the pink balloons have landed in Sheffield, Carlisle, Yorkshire and Skegness.
“The balloon release is one of the highlights of the evening and when they are released, the sky looks absolutely beautiful,” added Laura.
“It is so exciting when we receive messages telling us that our balloons have been found all over the country.”
Find out how you can support LOROS Hospice by visiting loros.co.uk/support-us
