As she prepares to lead 3,000 women round Leicester city centre for this year’s LOROS Twilight Walk, we catch up with BBC East Midlands Today Editor Emma Agnew on how the Hospice helped her dad “continue living” during his final few weeks, how she “never feared LOROS” when facing cancer herself and how she is looking forward to marching round the city with thousands of others all with the same passion that is LOROS.
“I remember walking out of Glenfield Hospital, totally shocked and saying to Jonathan, promise me that if I need it, you’ll get me into LOROS.”
One year ago, the idea of walking 10km round Leicester seemed like something Emma could only dream about; a challenge that seemed anything but achievable, having recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
This April, just a few months after being told she ‘was cancer free’ and Emma will not only be hosting the LOROS Twilight Walk but she will be joining thousands of others, as they take on the 10km route around Leicester to raise money for the Hospice.
“I was absolutely overwhelmed when I was asked to host the Twilight Walk,” says 53-year-old Emma, who is married to England cricket legend Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew.
“And we’ll be joined by a load of people, who all are united together, have one thing in common and feel so passionately about LOROS.
“I am so lucky to be able to be doing it and I really feel that.”
Emma’s thirst for supporting the Hospice stems back to when her dad, Chris Norris, was cared for and supported by LOROS more than 10 years ago.
“LOROS helped dad live,” adds Emma, who lives just outside of Melton Mowbray.
“Dad fought like cat and dog not to go into LOROS but was eventually persuaded to go in. Once he was in though, it was an eye opener for all of us and dad grew to love the place.
“Support from the team at LOROS meant that he could get back into work, even though he was poorly and that was everything to dad; being back at work kept dad alive.
“LOROS helped give dad that sense of normality again at a time of his life that was anything but normal.”
Chris, who was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer but later found out it had spread to his bones, died at LOROS after several years under their care.
Seeing the “amazing” care her dad received from LOROS meant that Emma “didn’t fear” the Hospice when she was diagnosed with cancer herself.
“I trusted LOROS and dad did, which was so reassuring.
“I knew that if I ever needed them, LOROS would be there.”
Although Emma has never needed the care from the Hospice herself, she feels that hosting and taking part in the Twilight Walk is her way of giving something back for the support her dad got. “One of the things I remember when we first went to LOROS and there was just so much laughter; that laughter will be echoed at the Twilight Walk, 3000 times over.”
Emma will not be marching the route solo, she will be joined by her daughter, Charlotte Dodds and sister, Victoria, as well as close friend and LOROS Patron Anne Davies.
This year’s Twilight Walk, taking place on Saturday 6th April, is sold out with 3,000 participants taking part, which is a record for LOROS Hospice.
If you want to be part of the event, there are still volunteering opportunities available.. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer email fundraising@loros.co.uk
