A CORNWALL charity that set up to offer respite to those affected by the Grenfell fire has been welcoming guests to a Cornish landmark.
This week, Cornwall Hugs welcomed 17 new guests to its first ‘Walk & Talk’ holiday by the ocean. This holiday brings the total welcomed to Cornwall through the charity to 516.
It was created specially for survivors and bereaved pensioners and their support workers who meet weekly for two hours to walk and talk in Kensington. Designed to support mental and physical well-being and re-forge community, this Cornwall Hugs holiday focussed on older guests many of whom live alone, giving them the opportunity to all stay near each other for the week in the village of Mousehole.
Mohamed Ragab (84), the oldest in the party, was celebrated at Land’s End as the 500th guest welcomed by the charity.
Grenfell Tower Fire, on June 14, 2017, claimed 72 lives, leaving the community devastated by trauma and complicated grief. Mohamed, himself, lived close to the Tower and witnessed the fire first-hand. He lost his disabled nephew, Hesham Rahman, who lived on the highest floor and who he described as like a son to him.
Mohamed, aged 84, was a keen walker before the tragedy and was determined to take part in all the walks including the cliff path from Sennen to Land’s End. He also crossed the causeway to St Michael’s Mount where the group was welcomed by Lord St Levan before climbing the steep cobbled path to the castle.
Halfway up, the guests discovered the ‘giant’s heart’ and then placed a Grenfell green heart badge on the stone. Mohamed said he valued being away from the tower, Cornish kindness and new friendships, “I have spent my whole life living next to the tower and this is the first holiday in a long time where I could relax with friends and remember my nephew. I have been able to reflect on my life and my nephew.”
Founder Esmé Page said: “Walk & Talk is such a valuable community-building concept but with a week together, the natural therapy of the ocean and everyone staying doors away from each other, all the benefits are intensified.
"There’s a deeper listening that can happen when you walk side by side, especially by the sea. People have felt able to share what’s on their heart and when it’s painful, it’s as if the rumbling waves hold witness, giving space to simply be and reflect.”
Anne-Marie Murphy, lost her brother Denis in the fire and brought four generations of her family to Cornwall, including Denis’ mother, Anne, now in her eighties. The timing of the holiday was significant, including what would have been Denis’ birthday.
Working with their long-time partner, Penlee Lifeboat, Cornwall Hugs organised a short memorial at sea for the families. After a Celtic Blessing, the families cast white roses into the water as Cox, Patch Harvey, respectfully circled the lifeboat off Penlee Point. Later, everyone gathered in the crew house with a cake to celebrate Denis’ life.
Anne-Marie said: “Being near the sea and near water has meant a lot to us because we lost our loved one and it was in fire. Being able to connect with the ocean and nature has been so therapeutic and to be able to share my beloved brother Denis's birthday with you all out at sea was truly special.
“Our hearts have been broken by the event son the Grenfell Tower Fire but for this week you have been able to make our hearts smile. The warmth and love we have felt from you all in Cornwall is immeasurable.”
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