Starting Gun Fired on 2011 Starlight Stroll Countdown
April 10, 2011
The countdown has begun to Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s biggest fundraising event of the year, with an appeal to women across the city and Sandwell to sign up.
Starlight Stroll 2011 is to take place on Saturday, July 2, beginning at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston at 10pm.
The eight-mile route - slightly reduced from last year’s 10-mile Stroll - takes in the leafy suburbs of Edgbaston, Harborne and Selly Park.
Organisers are aiming to build on the success of the 2010 Starlight Stroll, which attracted 425 participants and raised in excess of £50,000 for the hospice.
Hospice Head of Fundraising and Marketing Caroline Taylor said: “Each year we care for around 1,000 people with life-limiting illnesses at our Day Hospice and Inpatient Unit in Selly Park and in their homes across Birmingham and Sandwell.
“And each year Starlight Stroll has grown in terms of money raised and ladies talking part. So wouldn’t it be fantastic if in 2011 there was one woman walking on July 2 for each of those 1,000 patients?”
Caroline added: “Birmingham St Mary’s also cares for and supports relatives of loved ones who have passed away at the hospice for as long as they need. For many Starlight Strollers the event is as much about remembering as it is about having a wonderful night out with close friends.
“So if you’re of the female persuasion and would like to support the vital work of your hospice in 2011, we’d love to welcome you along to Starlight Stroll.”
One of those who have already signed up is Karen Henry, aged 34, of Hall Green.
The 2011 Starlight Stroll will be particularly poignant for her, as this summer marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of her mum Alison Hendry, who was cared for by the hospice, up until she died aged 51.
Karen (pictured far left) said: “The hospice was invaluable for us as a family, as it enabled mum to achieve her final wish to die at home surrounded by her family. That was really important for mum and us as a family.
“She spent some time in the Inpatient Unit when her illness took a turn for the worse, but the hospice also was there like a shot when we needed support and equipment at home. In the 18 months that mum was ill, the hospice was there every step of the way, and this is why I’m stepping out for Starlight Stroll.”
Karen is among a team of more than 30 Strollers, largely made up of mums from her children’s school, Lakey Lane Primary School in Hall Green.
Last year Karen’s group wore pyjamas but for 2011 Starlight Stroll team mates are busy making bumble bee costumes for the event.
“As a family we will be thinking very much about mum when we do Starlight Stroll, but it will also be a celebration and a great, fun night out,” Karen said.
To register online for Starlight Stroll 2011, which costs £15, please go to www.bsmh.org.uk/starlightstroll, or contact Jayne Bevan-Rabone at jayne.bevan-rabone@bsmh.org.uk, or on 0121 472 1191.
Search our site
