All set for starlit stroll
Family take part in memory of popular volunteer Vicki
ST Ann’s Hospice is ready for its big night out in Manchester as 2,000 fun- loving walkers take to the streets.
The Manchester Midnight Walk on Friday ( June 19) is expected to raise more than £ 200,000 for the major adult hospice, which has one of its three bases in Heald Green.
Popular fitness instructor TV’s Mr Motivator will warm up walkers inside Manchester Central from 9pm before the big send- off at midnight.
The route takes in landmarks such as St Ann’s Square and Spinningfields before finishing at a Garden of Remembrance at Manchester Central where walkers can dedicate a memory lantern to someone special.
The event is invariably an emotional night for many entrants who use the occasion to remember loved ones.
Organisers say they have been overwhelmed by the volume of support from the public for the starlit stroll.
Alison Gilbody, director of income generation and communications at St Ann’s Hospice, said: “The Walk is now in its ninth year and remains the biggest fundraising event in our calendar.
“It’s overwhelming to see the phenomenal support from people right across Greater Manchester.
“I can’t wait to see the walkers in their bright yellow T-shirts, although we do also get quite a few people wearing fancy dress as well which adds to the carnival atmosphere.
“We appreciate every single pound raised through entries and sponsorship because it means we can continue to provide free care for patients with life- limiting illnesses, their families and carers.”
Neighbourhood police officers from Stockport should be recognisable in cops and robbers outfits.
Instead of pounding the beat in uniform offduty officers will enter into the spirit of the occasion to show their commitment to the charity and the community.
Meanwhile, girl guides will be recreating the camp fire spirit in tribute to one of their most respected leaders.
Around 200 guides will stage their own sing- along in memory of Nola Smith, from Reddish, a hospice patient who died last year.
Last- minute entries are still being accepted via telephone ( 0161 498 3631) until 5pm on Thursday, June 18, with online applications ( www.mmwalk.org.uk) closing at 5pm on Wednesday, June 17.
Last year’s event raised £ 270,000 for St Ann’s.
Entry to the Manchester Midnight Walk is £20; £15 for past walkers and £10 if aged 11 to 17. A MUM who spent her final days as a patient at the hospice where she was a long-serving volunteer is to receive a fitting tribute.
Family and friends of Vicki Saul, from Heald Green, will take part in the Manchester Midnight Walk as part of a fundraising campaign to raise £10,000 for St Ann’s Hospice.
Vicki, who died of cancer last August aged 72, spent more than 15 years volunteering on the hospice’s reception desk and serving drinks to patients.
She would even take along her border collie dog Dylan to cheer up people being cared for at St Ann’s.
Vicki’s daughter, Kat, said: “St Ann’s Hospice is a great cause and a fantastic place and it was ironic that mum would end up in there one day using the facilities herself.
“We’ve already raised £7,000 from donations at her funeral and at my stepfather Richard’s 70th birthday last November.”
Kat and friends have entered the 10km walk through the city centre in memory of her mum who worked for British Airways at Manchester Airport for more than 30 years.
To sponsor Kat and her friends go to victoria.saul.muchloved.com.
‘I can’t wait to see the walkers in their bright yellow T-shirts’