Walkers taking part in this year’s Moonlight Memory Walk will be helping improve the lives of youngsters like nine-year-old Ruby Morris from Truro.

Ruby has a neuromuscular disease and currently visits Charlton Farm – Children’s Hospice South West’s hospice near Bristol – for respite care with her mum, dad and older brother Joe.

However, the money raised from next month’s big charity walk in Falmouth will go towards the new children’s hospice, Little Harbour, which is due to open near St Austell by the end of the year.

The homely hospice will provide specialist care for local children with a range of conditions, including muscular wasting diseases, heart and lung conditions, degenerative conditions, and genetic disorders – as well as vital care and support for their families. Families like Ruby’s.

Mum Becky said: “Going to Charlton Farm enables us to have a complete rest. We often go for three nights and don’t leave the house – we just relax, eat and play with Joe and Ruby.

“Having the specialist one-to-one care for Ruby means we can totally switch off without all the hassle of medicines, feed-times, phone calls and hospital appointments. It’s lovely to be able to sit in the gardens, read a book, or soak in the Jacuzzi. We are also able to get some sleep, which is absolutely crucial.

“Just every so often to know that you’re going to have three nights in a row without being woken up is a lifesaver.”

She added: “The only downside with Charlton Farm is that it’s such a long drive. We’re hoping Little Harbour will be open by the end of the year so we can transfer there.

“To have such a wonderful facility just up the road will be amazing – it will be a lot easier for us to pop up for the weekend and have a real break without the worry and exhaustion of travelling so far.”

The Moonlight Memory Walk takes place in Falmouth on Saturday, September 10, in aid of Little Harbour.

After entertainment from Pirate FM, walkers will gather on The Moor for a moving candlelit ceremony before warming up and setting off at 10pm for a five-mile circular walk taking in the town centre and the seafront.

The event is open to all ladies over the age of 16 (parental consent is required for 16 to 18-year-olds).

Entry is just £10, which includes a T-shirt, fundraising pack, candle bag, and a medal, hot drink, warming Rowe’s Cornish pasty, and a fabulous goody bag on completion of the walk.

To register for the Moonlight Memory Walk Falmouth 2011 log on to www.chsw.org.uk/moonlight or phone 01872 261166 to request an information leaflet and registration form.

Men can also get involved by signing up for one of the many volunteering roles.