An army of dancers from Chorley walked a marathon in the blazing sunshine to raise money for Derian House, the hospice that cared for two of its treasured students whose lives were too short.
Dancers and their families, from Lucy Collins Academy of Dancing, based in Eccleston, put their best foot forward on Sunday 17 August to honour pals Lauren and Hannah.
Setting off at sunrise, 30 people covered a 26.2-mile circular route beginning and ending at the dance hall, based at Eccleston Methodist Church Hall – and have so far raised £5,764 for Derian House.
The walk was in memory of Lauren Menzies, who passed away in December 2019 aged 13, and Hannah Green, who passed away in November 2024, aged eight.
“Our daughter, Lauren, was a typical cheeky beautiful and healthy teenage girl,” said mum Sarah Menzies, of Eccleston, Chorley, who has two other children, Rafe, 17, and Leah 15.
“She had a fun-loving sense of humour and spent her time involved with dance and drama classes or with her large group of friends. Then she caught the flu, which turned to sepsis.
“It happened so fast. One minute she was on the settee at home, watching TV and complaining about the flavour of Lucozade she had been bought. Less than 12 hours later she was fighting for her life at Alder Hey. A fight that unfortunately she was to lose just six days later.”
The dancers set off at 6am, but by 11am were feeling the heat, on a day where temperatures reached a sweltering 25°C.
Helpers meet the walkers in a car filled with emergency water and snacks, and the walkers stopped off for ice cream at Frederick’s to cool them down.
“By the 20-mile mark we were all really starting to feel it,” added Sarah.
“But I’m sure the girls would be laughing down at us for doing the challenge! Throughout the walk we chatted about Lauren and Hannah, and shared stories that gave some fresh insights for all of us. I feel so proud of everyone, and so happy that people have wanted to get so involved. When we finished, we felt a real sense of achievement.”
Derian House supported Lauren’s family when she stayed in a special cold bedroom, called a Sunflower Room, at the hospice before her funeral.
The charity continues to support the family through their bereavement.
“I still have a coffee and a chat with a member of the family support team,” said Sarah. “It’s great to speak to someone who understands and has professional insight into our situation. My daughter, Leah, accesses sibling support for one-to-one and to participate in days out with siblings in a similar situation. Having the team at Derian House there to rely on has been a great help to our family and I am sure for countless others.
“Walking a marathon is just a small gesture that we can do, not only to show our appreciation to all the staff who work so tirelessly, but also to help raise the profile of the charity and hopefully raise them some well needed funds in the process.”
Hannah’s mother, Ruth Green, also took part in the challenge.
“Hannah was a joyful girl, full of laughter, love and hugs,” said Ruth.
“The joy she carried was infectious; everyone she met and knew speaks of her great joyfulness and the vast love she had for her family and friends. Hannah was a dog-adoring, dance-loving, creative soul.
“Derian House has quickly become a charity close to our hearts. They welcomed us to stay with her after she died suddenly and unexpectedly in November last year.
“We spent a week in their Sunflower Room – a cold bereavement room – in their care. They were like angels on earth caring for Hannah, us and our families. The aftercare and support since Hannah died has been exceptional, from specialist counselling, holistic therapy, support groups and someone just at the end of the phone to meet up with and talk to.
“On the day we arrived, the member of staff who met us and settled us in said ‘once you come into the Derian House family, you will always be part of the Derian Family.’ Just like family, they are still helping us through the toughest of days. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the generous donations from made by friends, family and strangers.”
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “It was great to see the dance community come together in memory of Lauren and Hannah to raise vital funds for families just like theirs. Everyone made an amazing effort and I’m sure they would both be very proud.
“Care is free to families at Derian House, but it costs £6million to run the hospice every year. The charity only receives around 30% of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1.”
