REBECCA Goodenough, from Okehampton will be hosting a hen party with a difference which aims to raise money for charity and remember loved ones.

Rebecca will be joined by a group of friends to take part in the Twilight Walk — a ladies only event which raises funds for Hospiscare.

The bride-to-be said her hens would don their finest 80s fancy dress to take part in the event, which would be a tribute to her mum and would raise money for a charity close to her heart.

Rebecca was just 13-years-old when her mum died in St Michael’s Hospice, East Sussex. This was back in 1987 when it was a rarity to find a hospice and at that time there were just six beds available at St Michael’s.

Rebecca recalled: ‘We just felt that mum was so lucky to be in a hospice. I know that sounds strange to say but it’s by far the best place to be if you are approaching the end of your life. It’s like a home from home.

‘To be somewhere that treats you and your family with such compassion is lovely. It went beyond my expectations for patient care.

‘During those last few weeks and days of life my mum was still here, her life wasn’t over yet. The medical staff were genuinely interested in her, they talked to her and got to know her, treated her like a whole person and that’s really special.’

The care given made such an impression on Rebecca that she has been a staunch supporter of hospice charities ever since.

Now living in Okehampton, Rebecca is getting married later this year to fiancé Shane Green.

She said her hen party would be a special tribute to her mum whilst also supporting local charity Hospiscare.

The theme of this year’s Twilight Walk is ‘back to the 80s’. The ladies will be embracing the 80’s look, taking inspiration from famous pop stars of the era.

Rebecca said: ‘We’re going all out with the 80s gear and Tina Turner style big hair will be compulsory on the night! Doing the Twilight Walk is a way of incorporating my mum into my wedding even though she’s not here anymore.

‘I love the idea of women supporting other women, I have done the Twilight Walk before and it feels amazing to be part of an event like this.

‘None of us know what’s around the corner and one of us might need the help of a hospice at some point in our lives. We all need to get behind our local hospices, let’s protect their future just as they protect those we love and possibly one day us.

‘I’m sad I don’t have my mum to arrange my wedding with, but so very glad she had the love from a hospice as she left this world.’

Rebecca and her hens will be taking part in the charity walk on Saturday, July 8 in Exmouth. If you would like to donate, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/HenWalk

The money raised by the ladies will be donated to Hospiscare.

To sign up for the Twilight Walk, visit www.twilight.org.uk