Feet forward now for hospice charity walk

LET'S do this . . . the starting line at Springhill Hospice last year

RESIDENTS are being urged to take part in a memorial stroll to raise funds for Oldham's only hospice.

The Hospice to Hospice Walk, a 7.25-mile circular route from Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Royton to Springhill Hospice in Rochdale and back, will take place on Sunday, April 30.

Registration is now open for the 11th annual event in memory of a loved one which last year raised a record-breaking £18,000.

Income generation manager at Dr Kershaw's, Lisa Pearson, said: "The Hospice to Hospice Walk has become one of the biggest events for us.

Familiar

"This event brings together the community and everyone behind this knows what a great place the hospice is and how we help others. It's always great to see familiar faces come back each year to the event and the effort everyone goes to dressing up always makes us smile.

"It is important we continue to hold events like this so we can provide services that improve patient care."

Last April, 374 walkers undertook the route, some from Springhill's Broad Lane and others from Dr Kershaw's Turf Lane site, calling in at each other's hospice half way round. Walkers set off at 10.30am with a warm-up session provided by Shaw fitness group Anna's Dance.

Registration costs £7 per person, increased to £10 on the day of the walk, with all proceeds used directly to care for patients diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses as well as running costs of the hospice.

Each walker will receive a medal and refreshments upon return.

The deadline to sign up is April 27 at 4pm. Contact the fundraising team for a registration form on 0161-624 9984 or visit www.drkershawshospice.org.uk/events/hospice-hospice-walk.