HUNDREDS of people from across Oxfordshire will take an evening stroll around the picturesque grounds of Blenheim Palace to help a charity caring for the terminally ill.

The annual 10-mile Walk to Remember for Marie Curie, formerly Marie Curie Cancer Care, will take place on Saturday.

Many of the yellow T-shirt-clad walkers will have a special reason for joining, including remembering a loved one helped by Marie Curie.

Michal-Marie Eggleton from Chalgrove has been a healthcare nurse with Marie Curie for the past three years and has seen how the charity works.

She said: “I wanted to give something back. I work from 10pm to 6.30am with terminally ill patients and you don’t ever get used to working nights, but I love my job and I know it makes a difference to families.”

Mrs Eggleton, 48, formerly worked as a carer in the community when one of her former clients was diagnosed with cancer.

She said: “It made me realise that this was what I wanted to do.

“Before then I didn’t feel like I was reaching my full potential – Marie Curie is fantastic and look after you.”

Mrs Eggleton will be walking with husband Philip, 57, an engineer, and 75-year-old father Michael Barry.

Her daughter Kadie, 25, will be there to cheer them on.

Despite not having completed the walk before Mrs Eggleton has a relaxed approach to training, taking long walks around Chalgrove with black Labrador Yogi.

She said: “I’m a little bit nervous.”

So far 181 people have signed up for the walk, which starts at 6.30pm and will pay for nurses to provide free care to patients in their home.

Since the start of this year Marie Curie has been offering specialist care for patients with terminal illnesses other than cancer.

Last year Oxford nurses provided more than 10,000 hours of support to 252 patients. Community fundraiser Hazel Bendon said: “We also give families emotional support and teach them how to care for their loved ones.

“We are planning to have 300 walkers raise more than £25,000. That’s why we are actively encouraging people to sign up online or on the night.”

Live bands and entertainment will greet walkers as they near the finish, with activities including face painting for children.

The event will finish at 10pm, with paper “memory lanterns” lit around the stage and a speech by one of the Oxfordshire nurses.

The £10 registration fee includes a T-shirt and entry to the venue.

Participants are asked to raise £100 of sponsorship, either before or after the event.

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