Nearly 500 women have already signed up to take part in this year’s Midnight Walk for Dorothy House, including a team from Asda in Frome, which takes place on Saturday 13th September.
Every one of them has a reason for supporting the hospice, and many of them will be walking in memory of a loved one.
Asda in Frome is fielding a team of 12 for this year’s event, to raise funds in memory of loved ones who have been cared for by the hospice.
Team member Jackie Bryant said. “We’ll be walking in memory of Jake Nott and Gordon Brockhurst, who were both looked after by Dorothy House. Jake’s wife, Kate Rhymer Nott, and Gordon’s daughter Linda Tree, will both be walking in September, along with our colleagues Cath Workman, Mel Billett, Lorraine Bourne, Siggy Smith, Harriet Myers, Becky Pegg, Lyn Provan, Georgina Colbourne and Laura Bracher.
“We are looking forward to a good night out, and to raising much-needed funds for Dorothy House.”
Event organiser Phillippa Watson said, “We are delighted to see so many women already registered for this year’s walk, and we look forward to doubling the number by the time registration closes in early September. The walk is now in its eighth year, and is our biggest single fundraiser. Last year, nearly 950 women took part and raised an amazing £126,000 for hospice services.
“This year, we’d love to top the 1,000 mark, with a fundraising target of £150,000 – the cost of running our two new community lodges for a year.”
The lodges, which opened in June in the grounds at Winsley, allow patients, their families and carers to stay together in a private setting, cared for by the Hospice at Home team and trained volunteers. The ‘home from home’ buildings provide a safe, comfortable and peaceful alternative for people who for some reason cannot be cared for in their own home, but who want to remain in a family setting.
Phillippa added, “It costs £15 to register for the Midnight Walk, but this amount covers organisational and admin costs only, so we are asking people to pledge a minimum £30 in sponsorship. However, the walk’s success relies on everyone raising as much as possible.”
Entry forms can be downloaded at www.bath midnightwalk.co.uk, pick up details at any Dorothy House shop, or call fundraising on 01225 721480.
The Midnight Walk is open to women aged 16 or over on 13th September 2014. Although the 8km circular walk around Bath is a women-only event, men are most welcome to take part as marshals on the night: call 01225 721480 to find out more.
