By Leicester Mercury | Posted 9 April, 2018
The mum and sister of Hinckley Road explosion victim Leah Reek have already raised nearly £16,000 for LOROS ahead of taking part in this year’s Twilight Walk for the hospice.
Leah, 18, who died in the February 25 blast, had been a volunteer at LOROS in Groby Road, Leicester, and her family set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the hospice. The original target was £1,000 but the total so far is more than £15,700.
And this weekend 45 people including Leah’s mum, Joanne, and her sister, Molly, are taking part in the hospice's annual Twilight Walk.
Joanne said: “We’re doing the walk for Leah. I know she would be so proud of us - she’d have a massive smile on her beautiful face.
“The support I have received since Leah died has been overwhelming. It has been tremendous, people locally have really got behind us, even those that didn’t know Leah have been in touch. It’s just been incredible.
“We want to do all that we can to keep her memory alive. Leah loved LOROS so much, and I want to continue doing what I can for the hospice. It’s Leah’s legacy.”
The 10km Twilight Walk, starting and ending a the King Power Stadium, will take place on Saturday, April 14.
As well as the annual balloon release, a minute’s silence will be held before the walk to allow time for people to remember Leah and their loved ones that have died.
This year’s theme is circus and carnival and BBC Radio Leicester’s Rupal Rajani will be cracking her whip as the ringmistress.
Joanne said: “About 45 of us are doing the walk. We’ll have purple and pink leopard print transfers on our t-shirts, as well as leopard ears and a leopard tail, Leah loved leopard print.
“A local bus company will be getting us there, with the bus hire money also being donated to Loros.”
Rupal said: “I am always happy to support LOROS with the work they do. I feel honoured to have been asked to lend a hand.
“The charity offers amazing help to those who need it, it is wonderful to have such a supportive hospice right on our doorstep.”
To sign-up for the walk costs either £12 in advance or £30 on the day. For more information call 0116 231 8431.
To support Leah’s family’s Just Giving Page click here.