Hundreds signing up to charity walk

Naomi Gornall

IPSWICH: More than 300 women have already signed up to take part in St Elizabeth Hospice's Midnight Walk, it can be revealed today.

BBC Look East anchorwoman Susie Fowler-Watt visited the hospice yesterday for the official launch of the walk, where she met patients, hospice chief executive Jane Loughlin and community and corporate fundraising manager Janice Hulett.

Susie said: “This is the first time I have visited St Elizabeth Hospice, but I have heard a lot about it and really wanted to do something to help.

“I was really glad to meet some of the patients and everyone I met was full of praise for the services provided here.

“I think it is important for people to realise that St Elizabeth Hospice is not a sad place, it can be a fun and warm place to be.

“You don't have to be super-fit to do this walk and it's a great way of getting people involved in fundraising and spreading the message about the hospice too.”

The eight-mile circular walk starts from Ipswich Town Football Club in Portman Road at around midnight on Saturday, May 22.

Last year, 2,300 women took part in the walk, raising a total of �230,000.

St Elizabeth Hospice, an independent charity which costs �5.9 million a year to run, aims to improve the quality of life for people in East Suffolk who have an illness from which they will not recover.

Walkers are encouraged to wear fancy dress and will be kept entertained and motivated all the way.

The registration fee is �15 and includes a Midnight Walk T-shirt to wear on the night, refreshments en route and a goody bag. The closing date for registration is Friday April 23.

For more information about Midnight Walk 2010, call 01473 707043 or e-mail: midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk. Women can register online now at www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk.

Are you gearing up to take part? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk