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X Factor star launches ladies midnight walk
10 May 2010
Women of all ages are being invited to enjoy a night out with the stars by taking part in the second Saint Francis Hospice midnight walk.
Singer and X Factor star Stacey Solomon joined hospice mascot Frankie the Lion to launch the Star Trek sponsored walk. Stacey, who has recently finished her X Factor tour, said: “I think the idea of the walk is really lovely, especially at midnight and I’m happy to support a local cause such as Saint Francis Hospice.”
Last year around 500 women took part and the hospice is hoping to welcome double this on Saturday July 3rd 2010.
Among the walkers already joining the fun is Victoria O’Neill - walking in memory of her dad Peter Baynes, who received care from Saint Francis Hospice before he sadly lost his battle with cancer in January 2009.
Victoria explained that once her dad’s condition deteriorated the hospice stepped in to help and he spent his final days as an inpatient, which is what he wanted.
Victoria said: “I could list all the things that the wonderful nurses did for us from that reassuring introductory phone call to the time dad spent relaxing in the day hospice. The volunteer counsellors listened to me when I was really low and then there were the pain killing injections dad received to get him through my wedding.
“There’s so much more besides, but when I think of Saint Francis Hospice what matters most apart from what they did for us as a family, was what they helped us to do ourselves. That’s why I’m joining in the Star Trek so that other families can benefit from the hospice’s specialist care when they need it. I hope you will join me too!”
The 10km walk will start and finish at The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, which is supporting the hospice as their chosen charity of the year. Havering Council and Gymophobics, Romford, have again got behind the event.
Entry is £15 per person, which includes a t-shirt and goody bag, and any sponsorship money raised will enable the hospice to continue providing FREE first-class care and support to local people and their families affected by any life-limiting illness.
Hospice fundraiser Elizabeth Palfreman said: “This event is about women getting together to have fun while raising much-needed funds for the hospice.
“Many women will know someone who has been touched by our work and whether people sign up in groups or alone there should be a real sense of unity and plenty of entertainment on the night. So please grab your walking shoes, recruit your friends and join the walk.”
Dave Collins, General Manager of The Liberty Shopping Centre, commented: “We are proud to facilitate the Star Trek sponsored walk. It is a fantastic event that gives members of our community the opportunity to support a significant and worth local charity by participating in a fun event.”
Men can get involved too as volunteers are needed to set-up the event and with registration on the night.
To join the walk call Elizabeth Palfreman on 01708 771431, email fundraising@sfh.org.uk
