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Hospice bereavement walking group Walk On celebrates three-year milestone

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St Elizabeth Hospice's bereavement support walking group, Walk On, is marking its third anniversary this month. Since its launch in September 2021, the group has covered 7,500 miles and consumed over 1,700 pieces of cake.

The big picture: Walk On was created by hospice volunteer Dennis Tattoo and his wife Sarah, working with the charity's LivingGrief bereavement support service. It aims to help bereaved individuals meet new people, share experiences, and support each other while enjoying the outdoors.

Why it matters: Bereavement can be an isolating experience. Walk On provides a supportive community for those grieving, combining physical activity with social connection.

Walk On at Thorpeness
Walk On at ThorpenessSt Elizabeth Hospice

By the numbers:

  • Over 90 walks have taken place since September 2021

  • Typical attendance ranges from 10 to 25 people per walk

  • The group has taken an estimated 15 million steps

  • Participants have consumed over 2,000 hot drinks

Where they walk: The group explores various locations in Suffolk, but locations are always within a short drive of Ipswich.

What they're saying: Dennis Tattoo, Walk On founder and hospice volunteer, said: "It has been fantastic to be part of Walk On and to see it evolve over the last few years.

We have met many new faces, made new friends and have enjoyed lots of lovely walks in the Suffolk countryside, sharing conversations about life and experiences of bereavement, while supporting one another in the process."

Robin Moss has been attending Walk On groups since 2022. He said, “I heard about Walk On via the hospice’s LivingGrief service and have found Walk On to be very beneficial.

“I enjoy being active and Walk On has helped me meet new people who are living through similar experiences to me."

Group enjoying cakes and hot drinks
The group enjoying cakes and hot drinksSt Elizabeth Hospice

The bottom line: Walk On demonstrates how combining physical activity, social connection, and shared experiences can support those navigating grief, and the group's success over three years proves the ongoing need for such initiatives in the community.

How to get involved: Head over to https://www.stelizabethhospice.org.uk/walk-on for more information on taking part and a list of upcoming walks. The next walk is at Alton Water on Saturday 21st September.

What is Walk On?

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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