Gas team will be stepping out again for St Ann’s
STAFF at British Gas have no trouble finding the energy to take part in the Manchester Midnight Walk each year.
Around 30 employees from their Old Trafford offices will join thousands of other walkers at the 10km event, organised by St Ann’s Hospice, on Friday, April 27.
They will honour the memory of colleague Vicky Baines, from Swinton, who died of liver cancer in 2011.
Vicky, a manager with British Gas, spent her final days at the hospice in Little Hulton and such was the excellent care she received that staff have completed the walk as a thank you, raising much-needed funds for St Ann’s in the process.
Colleague Fiona Turner, from Bury, said: “This is the fourth time British Gas have had a team taking part and there’s even more of us this time than before.
“That shows just how popular Vicky was among her colleagues, who still feel her loss today. We have a great night at the Midnight Walk and there’s always a wonderful family, friendly atmosphere.”
The Manchester Midnight Walk, which is sponsored by Betfred, has a new start and finish this year - the iconic Manchester Cathedral. The walk is in its 12th year and has raised more than £2m for St Ann’s, one of the oldest hospices in the country, during that time.
The route follows a flat course past famous city centre landmarks such as the Hilton Hotel, the old Granada Studios, Spinningfields, Manchester Arena and the Northern Quarter. Entry is £20 for adults; £15 for past walkers and £15 for groups of a minimum of five people. Youngsters (11-17) are £10. The registration fee covers the cost of organising the event and walkers are asked to raise as much as possible for the hospice through sponsorship.
Manchester Cathedral is open from 9pm for entertainment, including performers, stalls and a Zumba warm up. The walk includes a Memory Garden where you can leave a message in memory of a loved one. »●To enter go to www. mmwalk.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.