Flagship Fundraiser Launches
April 16, 2010
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has launched its biggest annual fundraising event with an appeal to women to step out for a celestial strut around the city.
The 2010 Starlight Stroll aims to recruit 800 walkers for what is set to be a fantastic night out in aid of the Hospice which provides vital care from its Selly Park base to people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell.
The heavenly event has already received the backing of BBC Midlands Today anchorwoman Suzanne Virdee, who has signed up to walk the 10-mile route around Edgbaston, Kings Heath and Selly Oak on July 3.
Suzanne, a keen walker, said she was delighted to support this year’s Starlight Stroll, the Hospice’s flagship event.
“Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides a vital service to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell, so I had no hesitation in saying yes when fundraisers from the hospice asked for my support,” she said.
“And having seen what the hospice does for patients and their relatives going through the most difficult of times I would like to urge as many ladies as possible to sign up for this year’s Starlight Stroll.”
She added: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in what is set to be a night out to remember in aid of a brilliant local cause. We’re really lucky to have a facility like Birmingham St Mary’s but it only exists because of the goodwill of local people. So come along and support us on July 3.”
Another participant of the event will be Janice Stirrup, whose husband Geoff passed away at the Hospice in January this year.
Janice, of Oldbury, is taking part as a way of giving something back following the care her husband received from the Hospice’s specialist nursing staff.
She said: “During Geoff‘s final days the nurses and staff at Birmingham St Mary’s really pulled out the stops to ensure he enjoyed the best possible quality of life.
“Geoff lived life to the full; he was a keen mountaineer and snowboarder, so initially he was reluctant to go into the Hospice. But he changed his mind as his condition worsened and it made a big difference in alleviating not only his but also the family’s suffering. The staff did everything; nothing was a problem for them.”
Hospice community fundraiser Charlotte Sudbury expects July 3 to be a memorable night.
“We’re really excited about this year’s Starlight Stroll, because it’s going to be the biggest we’ve organised to date. It is the key event in our fundraising calendar so it’s vital that people come out and support us.
“All you ladies out there, who would like to get a different perspective on the city while raising money for your local hospice, come and join us for a starlight stroll this July.”
As the city’s only independent hospice, Birmingham St Mary’s relies on direct community support to enable it to care for local people with terminal illnesses.
An appeal has also been launched for male volunteers to act as marshals during the Starlight Stroll.
Entry forms and information about volunteering as a marshal can be obtained from: Charlotte Sudbury, Youth and Community Fundraiser, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, 176 Raddlebarn Road, Selly Park, Birmingham B29 7DA, or alternatively telephone: 0121 4721191.
Further details about Starlight Stroll can also be found on Birmingham St Mary’s Facebook page: http://en-gb.facebook.com/pages/Birmingham-St-Marys-Hospice/117822558818
Donate now
Donate now and help us change 1,000 lives every year
Click here to donate
Search our site
