Compassion Autumn Winter 2023

33 tcf.org.uk TCF NEWS | NEWS FROM AROUND OUR CHARITY Walking and talking together Walks funding from Alpkit Foundation The Alpkit Foundation has awarded a grant towards our series of supportive walks. Alpkit, the outdoor clothing & equipment company, recognises the importance of our walks for bereaved parents. Compassionate Friends walks offers a way for grieving parents, siblings, and grandparents to find connections together in a warm, supportive and informal setting. Many bereaved individuals find walking and talking beneficial and the fact that our walking events keep growing in popularity speaks of how helpful many have found them to be. These walks are free and run by our incredible volunteers, who have been hosting walks each weekend across the country throughout the spring and summer months. Some walks are continuing into autumn so to find out if a walk is happening near you go to the link tcf.org.uk/walks TCF Iron Men walk Earlier this year, TCF volunteers Marcia and Sue led a TCF walk to see the Iron Men. Marcia shared this brief report and some photos. Eleven of us met at Crosby Marina, near Liverpool, on a very hot June day. We walked up to Waterloo Station and took the train to Hightown from where we walked back to the Marina along the coast of the Mersey Estuary. Fortunately there was a breeze to cool us down a bit, but unfortunately no shade. The walk took us through dunes and along the beach where the Iron Men (Gormley’s Another Place) were spread out on the beach. Finally we walked along the lake and to a welcome cool drink in the recently re-furbished café – Lake House. I’d like to thank everyone who came for their good humour and stamina in the face of what were challenging conditions. It was good to see everyone talking together – such an important feature of these events – and the refreshments at the end were a real bonus as we all cooled down and continued chatting, connecting and supporting one another. Thank you everyone – despite the heat, it was a lovely occasion. New Christmas cards 2023 NEW Clare Fleerackers has designed two new cards in loving memory of her daughter, Annaliese. Available to order online tcf.org.uk/shopcards