Midnight Walkers have stories to tell
- Published 05/16/2013
Hundreds
of walkers are taking part in this year’s Midnight Walk for St Clare Hospice
which is set to be a fantastic, fun-filled night on Saturday July 6. But behind
the laughter and buzzing atmosphere, many of the walkers have poignant and
personal reasons for being there, and for supporting St Clare.
One
of this year’s walkers is Sian Cooper, 25, from Church Mill Grange, Harlow, who
will be taking part in the 10k walk with her mum Julie.
Already,
Sian has raised £350 in sponsorship and rising.
Sian
said: “I’m raising money for St Clare Hospice as it’s a charity very close to
home. After a long battle with cancer my grandad Nigel Cooper was taken to St
Clare for some respite.
“Whilst
there, they took excellent care of him and made such a difference to him,
seeing him healthier and happier than he'd been in a long time.
“Unfortunately
I lost my Gramps a few weeks later, but myself and my family will forever be
grateful for all their help and support, and helping my Nan care for my
Gramps.”
Just
weeks after her grandfather’s death last December, Sian’s grandmother ,June
Cooper, also passed away. “It was a massive shock to us,” said Sian.
“Both
my grandparents supported St Clare and their work greatly and I hope to do them
both proud by trying to raise as much money as possible for such a wonderful
charity. In the process I hope it helps me deal with such a sad loss in my
life.”
Also
taking part on Saturday July 6 will be Harlow mother Linda Marsham who will be
walking in memory of her son and her parents.
Linda,
of Aylets Field, Harlow, decided to take part in the event as a thank you to
the charity for the support it gave to her and her family.
Linda
will be accompanied by her friend, Barbara for the shorter 5km walk round the
town.
Linda’s
son, Kevin, died in a motorbike accident 15 years ago while her parents both
died from cancer.
Linda
said: “St Clare provides a valued service and I would encourage people of any
age to help the hospice, to help raise funds and to help them carry on doing
such good work.”
Entry
to the Midnight Walk costs £15 per person and each walker will receive a
special Midnight Walk t-shirt, goody bag, and a medal at the finish.
Walkers
are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the Hospice: last year each walker on
average raised £110 with the £67,000 sponsorship total enough to pay for 17
days of care in the in-patient unit.
For more information, and to register, visit www.stclarehospice.org.uk/midnight.html , ring the Hospice’s fundraising team on 01279 773750 or email fund@stclarehospice.org.uk
