Walkers at this year’s annual Snowdrop Trust Walk in Arundel Park were joined by Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert and Chichester MP Gillian Keegan on Sunday morning (13 May).

Mr Herbert is a Patron of The Snowdrop Trust which is based in Walberton. The local charity was founded by Di Levantine who has worked as its unpaid Chief Executive for 25 years.

The Trust provides community nursing care at home for local children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. The Trust’s team also provides support to the children’s families through counselling, financial assistance, and provision of equipment.

Several fundraising events are held throughout the year to help raise money to support those in Snowdrop’s care. The Trust is currently supporting 80 families in the local area and needs to raise around £350,000 each year to continue its important work.

The annual walk through the grounds of Arundel Castle Park is a highlight in the Snowdrop calendar. The Trust expects the total raised from sponsorship from this event to be in excess of £6,500 once all the money has been collected.

Di Levantine said: “We were delighted to see so many old friends, past committee members, Patrons, Snowdrop parents and grandparents as well as so many Snowdrop children all enjoying the Arundel Castle Park grounds. His Grace the Duke of Norfolk has been so kind to allow us to hold the event since we founded the charity 25 years ago. The event is a highlight for so many families and they look forward to coming each year.

“The commitment from the community and businesses makes this day a truly collaborative event which creates such a unique and special atmosphere.”

Nick Herbert said: “It is always a pleasure to give my support to The Snowdrop Trust and to the inspirational Di Levantine, founder and unpaid Chief Executive of the Trust for 25 years. I’m honoured to be a Patron of this wonderful charity.”

Gillian Keegan tweeted: “Fantastic event and stunning sponsored walk through the South Downs with hundreds of people … raising money for Di and the wonderful team at Snowdrop Trust”.

ENDS

Notes

1. Photograph: Nick Herbert MP, Di Levantine and Gillian Keegan MP with some of many walkers who took part in the Snowdrop Trust walk.

2. For more information about The Snowdrop Trust see www.thesussexsnowdroptrust.com.

MP joins annual Snowdrop Walk in Arundel