Grand Pier Latest News
Thousands moon walk for charity
18th September 2008
THE second ever Midnight Beach Walk has so far raised more than £75,000 for Weston Hospicecare.
On Saturday, 1,219 women and girls gathered at Weston’s beach for the five-mile walk from Uphill onto the Grand Pier and back again.
They were led out by a bagpiper after taking part in an aerobics warm-up session and watching a performance by local band Ruby and the Relics.
A poem called Reflections was also read by 30-year-old Vicki Hall who took part in the walk in memory of her mum Carol, who died last year.
Flashing head bands and glow sticks lit the way along the route, which was also lined with candle bags of dedication.
The bags, which all had a message written on them in memory of loved ones, raised £500 on the night.
Walkers were also given chocolate on the Grand Pier.
Participants included individuals, groups of friends, families and work colleagues, many of which have been affected by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Staff from the Howards Group also took part in the event, which was sponsored by the Weston-based company along with the Weston & Somerset Mercury.
The oldest participant was thought to be 77-year-old grandmother Betty Pleasant of Bristol Road Lower, Weston.
The youngest walkers were 22-month-old twins Penelope and Patience, who joined their seven-year-old sister Phoebe and their mum Rebecca Asling, aged 32.
Rebecca, from Locking, was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with the twins.
As a result she had to be induced early so she could undergo chemotherapy.
Weston Hospicecare fund-raising and communications manager Penny Beare said: “We are hoping to beat last year’s final total of £100,000, which was reached after all the sponsorship had been collected and Gift Aid had been added on.
“The atmosphere at this year’s walk was magical. “The weather held out for us and I think it is now becoming known as a very fun event to be part of.
“The evening was very emotive and the candle bags were really effective.
“We are definitely going to hold another beach walk next year as it has become a very important event in our fund-raising calendar.” Weston Hospicecare would like to thank all those companies and people who helped make the event such a success including the Weston & Somerset Mercury, the Howards Group, Weston Rotary Club, Weston Lions Club, the Grand Pier and Star FM. A big thank you has also been sent to all the volunteers and marshals that helped out on the night.
All those who have collected their sponsorship money are asked to post a cheque to Weston Hospicecare, 28 Thornbury Road, Uphill, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 4YQ.
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