“My mum was the most vivacious, kind-hearted and fun-loving person anyone could ever wish to meet. To know mum, was to love her. She gave the best hugs and was a steadfast friend to everyone. Her family was her heartbeat and she was always at her happiest when we were all together. She truly was one in a million.”
Last year, Laura MacDonald, signed up to take part in Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk after the hospice cared for her beloved mum, Sam Gant, who died following a cancer diagnosis.
Laura, from Packmoor, raised £2,072 – smashing her target of £200 – by taking part in the charity’s flagship event along with her dad, husband and other family and friends.
She said: “On May 26, 2025, my beautiful, kind and fun-loving mum passed away at Dougie Mac following a short illness. She was 55 when she passed away from pancreatic cancer. There were only seven weeks between diagnosis and her passing and she spent the last week of her life in the hospice.
“During mum’s time at Dougie Mac, the care she received was second-to-none. She received amazing care from the whole team in the final days of her life. The staff were beyond amazing – not just to mum – but to us as well. The facilities and services they provide give patients and their families the best possible support during the hardest times of their lives.
“My nana, (my mum’s mum) had spent time at Dougie Mac and also passed away there over 18 years ago, so Dougie Mac means a lot to our family. It was a place that made mum feel safe at the end of her life.
“The entire team at Dougie Mac are real-life angels on earth. We are so lucky to have this kind of facility available to our community. Not only did they look after Mum, they also looked after us. We can never thank them enough. This was why we took part in the Moonlight Walk last year, it was a small way of giving back.
“The walk was very emotional – it was emotional to see so many people that have been helped by Dougie Mac. When you’re there, it’s easy to forget that other families are going through the same thing as yours. The Moonlight Walk brought all of those people together to raise money so that other families can take advantage of the support that Dougie Mac offers.
“When we crossed the finish line, we cried. It was an amazing feeling to have done the walk. As difficult as it sometimes felt, it was nothing compared to what we’d already been through. We were so proud to take part and raise so much money for the hospice and we absolutely will be taking part again this year! We’re hoping to raise lots more money for Dougie Mac and get more people involved with the walk.
“I would recommend anyone to take part in this event. It’s such an amazing cause and you never know if you or someone you love might need care from the team at Dougie Mac. So whatever help we can give them to
keep the hospice going, we’ll do! “Not only is it a wonderful cause, I guarantee you’ll have a good laugh and the support from everyone organising and taking part in the event is second to none.”
Hundreds of supporters are expected to take part in the Moonlight Walk, which is taking place on Friday, June 19. Walkers will set off from St Peter’s Academy, in Fenton, at 10pm and complete the 10-mile route under the stars before returning to St Peter’s in the early hours of the morning.
Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said: “Our Moonlight Walk is a really popular, fun event that brings people together to support their local hospice. We’ll meet at St Peter’s Academy, Fenton from 8.30pm, where our walkers will be greeted by an entertainment stage with live music, refreshment stands and a glitter station. There will then be a short warm up before it’s time to hit the streets at 10pm.
“While our Moonlight Walk is a really fun, lively event, many of our walkers will be taking part in memory of a loved one who has been cared for by Dougie Mac, which also makes the walk really special. As part of the route there’s an opportunity to stop at the Moonlight Gardens at out Adult Services in Blurton and our Children and Young Adults Services in Trentham.”
Everyone who enters will receive a Moonlight Walk T-shirt to wear on the night, as well as a medal when they cross the finish line.
Deborah added: “Funds raised will help us provide our specialist care services to local adults, young adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, as well as offering support to their families and carers.”
Registration for Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk is now open at www.dougiemac.org.uk/moonlight-walk
