The event was organised by Forest Holme Hospice Charity and took place on Friday, April 17, raising more than £16,000 to support palliative and end-of-life care across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.
Walkers of all ages gathered at Branksome Dene Community Room before making their way to the top of Evening Hill to watch the sun set over Sandbanks and Poole Harbour.
Claire Cooper, events and challenges manager at Forest Holme Hospice Charity, said: “It was incredibly special to see so many people come together for our very first Sunset Walk.
“The atmosphere was both emotional and uplifting, with people taking time to reflect, connect, share stories and support one another along the way.
“For many, it was a deeply personal experience, as well as a way to support the hospice.”
The event was sponsored by Marjorie House, part of Care South, with staff and residents taking part in the walk.
Rapid Relief donated bottled water to participants, while refreshments were provided by Pizza with Love.
Forest Holme Hospice provides care and support to more than 1,500 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, including motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, heart disease and respiratory illness.
The hospice is part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust but relies on its charity to raise £1 million annually to continue delivering its services.
Ms Cooper said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part.
“Our wonderful volunteers, staff and residents at Marjorie House for their support, plus Rapid Relief, and Pizza With Love, all of whom played a part in making the evening such a success.
“We look forward to doing it again next year.”
Forest Holme Hospice Charity aims to ensure that everyone in the community affected by life-limiting illness or bereavement receives the care and support they need, whether in their own home or in the hospice.
The charity works alongside Macmillan Caring Locally to provide palliative and end-of-life care throughout the University Hospitals Dorset area.
The hospice team includes specialist doctors, nurses, counsellors, and complementary therapists who deliver practical and emotional support to patients and families.
Support is available in a variety of settings, including patients’ homes, hospitals, and the hospice itself.
Forest Holme also provides counselling and bereavement support, recognising the emotional, psychological, and social needs of both patients and their loved ones.