MORE than 1,300 women took to the streets of Warrington braving wind and rain, raising an estimated £130,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice.
They gathered at Orford Park to take part in St. Rocco’s Hospice eighth Starlight Walk!
Singer Stuart Waldron and DJ Chris O’Grady kicked off the night with a two hour eighties theme stage show that featured performances from local singer Poppy Bridge, dancers from the Appleton Thorn dance school and an aerobic warm up.
Hospice chief executive officer Pam Massey joined the Mayor, Cllr Peter Carey, to give special thanks to the walkers for their fundraising efforts, before leading the women out on the 6.5 or 13 mile walk through the streets of Warrington.
The walk was supported by more than 200 volunteer marshals who stayed up through the night to ensure safety along the route.
The walkers were given a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich back at the park, cooked by a team of volunteers from the Territorial Army.
More than £130,000 was pledged on the night which will go towards providing care and support to St Rocco’s patients and their families.
Pam Massey – who was walker No 1,000, said: “It was fantastic to see so many ladies battling the wind and rain to take part in the Starlight Walk.
“So many wonderful people supported us again this year, we would like to say a big thank you to Livewire Warrington and Warrington Borough Council for allowing us to host the walk from Jubilee Orford Park – it was truly an amazing event that will make a huge difference to all those we care for.”
The Mayor also pledged further support to the Starlight Walk.
He will be inviting the top four fundraisers to join him for afternoon tea at the Town Hall.
Over the last eight years more than 12,000 women have raised more than £1.4 million through the St Rocco’s Hospice Starlight Walk.
Pictures courtesy of www.andrewcollierphotography.co.uk