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FRANK BRUNO MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE AT HOSPICE MIDNIGHT WALK! |
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| Published: 24th June 2010 |
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 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. |
Some just walked for the challenge of it! For example, Sally Perkins (aged 35) and Becky Stevens (aged 39), two Hemel Hempstead friends said: ”We are both absolutely determined to get rid of our jelly bellies so we walked the walk to get rid of our post-baby jelly bellies.”
Fran Martin, Event Organiser, said: ”What a spectacular night! We are delighted that so many people gave up a whole nights’ sleep and have raised much needed funds for the hospice.
”Events like these can only be successful with the commitment and dedication of a large number of people, including our team of over 70 Marshals and 40 Volunteers who gave up their precious time, together with many local businesses and organisations such as Red Lion (Water End) and Fine & Country (Berkhamsted) who jointly sponsored our fabulous 2010 T-shirts, BMW Specialist Cars who sponsored our medals and Spire Harpenden Hospital who sponsored our fluorescent wrist bands. All our sponsors were there on the night to show their support. Many thanks to Miss Samwell, Headteacher, Hemel Hempstead School for yet again making the school available to us for the event. In particular we would also like to thank Sally Green and her team who provided support throughout the event culminating in a much welcomed and needed breakfast to all the walkers at the end of their long trek.
”Finally, thank you to the ’Stars’ of the night, our lovely walkers, what a fantastic bunch of ladies who between them have raised a substantial amount of much needed funds.” |
Hospice Director Ros Taylor GP who was present through the evening and welcomed walkers back presenting them with their medals commented: ”It’s been a great night and fantastic to see so many women from across our whole catchment area including Chesham, The Langleys, St Albans and our loyal supporters from Hemel and Berkhamsted taking part. I have spoken to ladies of all ages and from places as far afield as Bognor Regis, Devon and Northern Ireland and the enthusiasm and energy has been immense. All in all the ladies have pledged in excess of £150,000 and we are still counting - a fantastic achievement! Thanks to everyone who has taken part.”
Walkers can see pictures of themselves from the night at www.walkwiththestars.org.uk |
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