June date for big walk

By Nick Richards

FLAMING June is set to get even hotter this year thanks to the Evening Star Press Ball.

Not content with it being one of the hottest months of the year, we're planning to add 400 trainer-clad feet into the equation!

But it's all in the name of charity as they will be taking part in a special walk to raise money for our James Bond-themed ball.

We're planning to beat a path from Ipswich to Trimley on Saturday June 22 and hope to raise up to a quarter of our £20,000 target on this day alone.

A 200 strong army of walkers is set to take part, each adding £25 to the Press Ball kitty and raising a total of £5,000.

The money will be forwarded to Ipswich-based charity Disability Care Enterprise, who will share it out to at least 20 children in need of special help.

And it looks like the race is on to join our hot 200 with ten of the places already up for grabs – that's £250 towards the Press Ball grand total.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said he was delighted to be one of the first people to pledge his £25 to take part in the walk.

He said: "It should be a great fun day and a real chance to put your best foot forward for charity. All you need is a £25 donation to book your place and help us raise £5,000. Come and join me on the day and walk towards a better future for children in Suffolk.

This years walk will be lead by Michael Anderton, who was the guide on the same walk route in 2000.

The walk starts at Piper's Vale car park in Gainsborough Lane, Ipswich. It will follow the River Orwell and finish at the Searsons Farm car park at Trimley near Trimley rail station. Walkers can catch a train at Trimley to return home to Ipswich at five minutes past each hour.

Michael said this years walk promised to be a popular event as it takes in so much of the picturesque Suffolk countryside.

He said "The walk will go along the shore and will use the footpath from Nacton. Much of the route will be along the banks of the Orwell and will take in Levington Marina and Trimley nature reserve. We will also walk along the beach at some point.

"I will be leading the walk but it won't be at a very fast pace – it is up to the individual how fast they want to complete the ten mile course in. There are no styles on the walk and most of the ground is pretty easy going."

The day of the walk promises to be plenty of fun with feeding stations along the way to give some much-needed fuel to the hungry walkers.

"The feeding station is at Levington and will provide drinks and chocolate and other snacks. People are welcome to bring their own provisions if they wish.

Michael advised walkers to wear walking boots if they had them, but said trainers should be OK providing the sun was shining.

Also taking part will be Evening Star Brand Manager Austen Dack. He said: "Dust of those walking boots or dig out those trainers – whatever your choice of footwear, give us your money and then make date for June and the walk to Trimley. It promises to be a cracking day with beautiful surroundings, warm weather and a few surprises along the way."

Carolyne Morey of Disability Care Enterprise said the walk promised to be a tremendous boost to the Press Ball funds.

"It should be a great day and it would be great if as many people as possible turned out to show their support on the big walk. Every penny really does help

and it all goes to local children. There are no costs involved so everything we get will go straight to the kids."

Last year more than 60 people walked from Witnesham to Woodbridge to raise money for two Ipswich youngsters.

The sponsored walk raised £5,000 for autistic twins Kate and Samuel Horsfield – this year you can help us do even better.

n If you would like to take part in the Evening Star Press Ball Walk, contact Geraldine Thomson on 01473 282290.