A woman who suffered the heartbreaking loss of her daughter in 2013 at St Christopher's has urged people to support the hospice.

Debbie Slaughter, 59, lost her daughter Jenny when she died at the hospice in Sydenham aged 27.

Speaking about her daughter's time at the hospice, Debbie said: "Jenny stayed at St Christopher’s for around six weeks and in that time the hospice became a home from home.

"I had known St Christopher’s before as my mum had respite care here and so when Jenny came here from the hospital I felt an overwhelming feeling of relief. It gave us such a sense of security; it was our safety net.

"We were so welcomed and looked after. I stayed with her all the time and we were even able to bring the dog in to visit. She was always treated as a person, as an individual and not just another person in a bed.

"She was never spoken over or about and was able to make her own decisions right up until the very end. That’s so important."

Debbie now takes every opportunity to support the hospice because of the care they provided for her mum and daughter.

This includes doing the Bluebell Walk, which is St Christopher's biggest annual fundraising event.

People have the choice of walking three to nine miles and the event contributes to the £15 million needed to maintain hospice services in Bromley.

On Friday (February 2) News Shopper reported that a petition had been launched after the decision to close a St Christopher's charity shop in Orpington over increasing rent issues.

Debbie, along with her daughter's son William, 6, take part in the Bluebell Walk ever year.

William said: "I like to do the walk with my family and friends to raise money for St Christopher's because my mummy died there and the money will help to look after other people and buy equipment to help them."

The walk takes place on April 29 at Cudham Recreation Ground and Debbie and her family want to see as many people there as possible.

Registration for adults is £5 with children going free with around 6,500 taking part annually.