 Nearly 1000 women, in bright pink T shirts received a pleasant surprise as they warmed up preparing to take part in the fourth annual fundraising midnight walk from Hemel Hempstead School on Saturday (19th June) night - Frank Bruno made a surprise appearance on stage to offer his words of support to the determined fundraisers! He spoke of his recent visit to the Berkhamsted based Hospice of St Francis during which he met some patients and learned about the valuable work the hospice team do to support patients diagnosed with life limiting illnesses. He praised the staff and wished the walkers well and then posed happily for photographs with delighted walkers of all ages!
Frank was not the only welcome entertainment on what turned out to be a rather chilly, but dry June evening. The night kicked off with some great free entertainment by fire-eater Rob, Egyptian dancers, Morris Dancers and Babs from HEART FM. Several teams and individuals joined Babs on stage and spoke of their reasons for taking part in the walk, sharing tears and laughter. And then armed with free chocolate and water, the ladies all set off urged on by each other - and the promise of a well deserved medal, goody-bag and breakfast at the finish line!
Many walkers have been touched in some way by the care the Hospice gives - walking in memory of loved ones and wanting to give something back to the carers who helped make the last days of life more comfortable. For example, 44 year old Maureen Narramore from St Albans rallied friends and family from across the UK to walk in memory of her mother Mildred who died earlier this year whilst being cared for by the hospice. |
