Call for more midnight walkers

June 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Last year’s Midnight Walk saw 1,500 women raise £150,000 for the Hospice. But so far this year although an amazing 900 women have said they will take part the charity still needs to reach their goal of 1500 walkers.

Jo Gibbons, head of fundraising said: “All charities are finding raising funds tougher this year as everyone is affected by the downturn in the economy. We have to work harder for every pound raised.

“Last year’s Midnight Walk was a magnificent success raising £150,000, providing vital funds for our services. This year lower numbers of walkers mean that the charitty could lose out on £60,000 of vital income. This year’s event is on Saturday July 9 and so far it looks like it will fund six days. We are just hoping for a late surge of people wanting to take part.

“It is fantastic that 900 people have come forward so far but if we can just get a few hundred more it will make a huge difference. It is a great night out with many of the women walking in fancy dress through Bristol.”

The Midnight Walk starts at 10.30pm this year from Bristol City Football Club and covers 10 miles through a well-marshalled route around the city, which takes in the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brandon Hill and the ss Great Britain.

Walkers must register before Friday July 2. Registration is £12 with walkers receiving an event pack, which includes a T-shirt. Participants receive refreshments and a medal at the finishing line. To register see www.stpetershospice.org.uk/midnight-walk.

Teams of women walking together from throughout Bristol have already signed up for the event. All money raised goes towards the running of St Peter’s Hospice, which cared for 2,000 patients with incurable diseases last year. Public support is vital as only 23% of the funding needed comes from the NHS.