Walk to remember loved ones lost with The Compassionate Friends

The walk is for anyone who has lost someone and helps to raise funds and community awareness of the charity organisation.

“You don’t have to be a bereaved parent walking in memory of a child. Anyone is welcome to walk in memory of a loved one,” TCF founding member Margot McAllister said. 

Read More: Tackling ‘the worst loss’ in a healthy way 

“We have people walking in memory of brothers sisters, parents and best friends.”

Mrs McAllister said it was important to raise awareness of the event so other bereaved community members were aware of the organisation. 

The grief support service offers free help for people of any age grieving the death of a child, grandchild, sibling or friend to any cause or a relative, spouse or friend to suicide.

Mrs McAllister has been part of the organisation for 32 years and was a driving force behind the walk’s inception.

“Grief is a very isolating experience and knowing people who are going through the same thing is good,” Ms McAllister said. “The walk lets people know we are here and are here to help.”

Mrs McAllister, who lost her son to suicide and grandson to SIDS said the Mandurah branch held the first memorial walk in 2006, and the other states have followed suit.

“We started the very meaningful tradition,” she said. “It was the success of ours that prompted other states to follow our lead.”

The walkers will meet at Keith Holmes Reserve, Mandurah at 9.30am for a 10am start launched by Mandurah MP David Templeman

The walk is led by a piper and will return to the park for a sausage sizzle prepared by the Lions Club of Mandurah.

On arrival, walkers are given a ribbon to write the names of their loved ones and a paper heart to write a personal message.

The hearts are planted in a heart shape with rocks, making a symbolic memorial. 

“We put sand in the middle and plant our hearts...it’s a symbolic thing,” Ms McAllister said. 

“We take our hearts with us when we go. We remove our rocks and sand and there is no damage to the venue.”

Participants can be sponsored by friends, family and members of the public to participate in the event with all funds going back into the charity.

To register contact TCF on 9535 7761, email tcfmandurah@bigpond.com or go to tcfmandurah.com for more information.

People can also attend on the day but registration is recommended.