Lynne Schofield tells us why she, Maya and Cara joined Wag this Way and what it means to them to be involved with City Hospice.
We loved taking part in Wag this Way with our pugs Ava and Cece (pictured). Dogs, dogs and more dogs! It was a beautiful day to walk in Bute Park and by the river. We enjoyed spending time with our canine and human friends. People and dogs of all ages and abilities participated and you could go at your own pace. The distance wasn’t an issue. The atmosphere was friendly and there was always something to see or talk about along the way. In fact, we couldn’t believe it when we saw the finishing line.
As usual with all City Hospice events, the day was extremely well organised and lots of fun.
All the necessary information came through well in advance so we knew where to go and what to do. From the aerobic warm-up session to the doggie related stalls and the goodie bags at the end, it was a great day out. The volunteer stewards did a fab job to keep us on track, literally in some cases! I certainly recommend getting involved in volunteering for City Hospice, even if you can’t commit to doing something regularly. There is so much going on you are bound to find something you will enjoy. These regular events are a great way to 
offer your help, meet people and give something back.
We certainly wanted to do that after City Hospice helped us so much when we referred 5 years ago following my late husband Vernon’s diagnosis with terminal cancer. My daughters, Maya and Cara, and I owe City Hospice a great deal and we simply wouldn’t have got through it without their support. We particularly found the support of the counselling team, led by Sarah Bull, invaluable. The girls and I had counselling and Cara joined a children’s group. Maya and I enjoyed reflexology too. The girls were thrilled to see Beyoncé in concert thanks to a kind-hearted donor!
Maya was in
spired to train as a Counsellor
Inspired by her experience Maya is pursing a career in counselling. I’m proud to say she is now in her 3rd of 4 years training and is doing really well, as is Cara. It’s not always easy of course , they miss their Dad terribly and always will. However, City Hospice helped them to understand that however they feel is OK and normal. We all learnt that talking about our feelings, or equally, saying when we don’t want to talk is just fine too.
Together as a family we have volunteered at a number of events.
We’ve been involved in the Vintage Fayres, the Christmas Fayres and the concert at Llandaff Cathedral. This is in addition to bucket collections at supermarkets too. We also fundraise through raffles and bake sales in my workplace and by donating clothes to our local City Hospice shop. I even spoke at the annual Charity Ball to tell our story and the crucial role City Hospice played in it. I also make a monthly donation by direct debit.
We know only too well that many families will, sadly, follow the same journey as we have. For them to do so without the support, advice and guidance of City Hospice would just be unthinkable. We have given our time to help raise much needed funds so that when people face this terrible time, they will not be alone. They will have City Hospice at their side.
If you’re thinking about entering Wag this Way on 29th March we’d really encourage you to register now for this great event. The Dog Show is new to the event this year and is bound to be great fun.
Our 5km event Wag this Way takes places on 29th March in Bute Park. If you haven’t already registered to take part please click here to register today.
