The stars shine on our strollers in 2011
Starlight Stroll 2011 a massive success
Birmingham St Mary's Hospice would like to say a huge thank you to the hundreds of women who stepped out on Saturday (July 2) in the charity’s annual Starlight Stroll.
Thanks to your efforts, this year's event is on course 
to raise a fantastic £40,000.
The 2011 event was surely the most colourful yet, with many of the 409 women who had signed up donning fancy dress costumes, multicoloured tutus and an array of flashing headwear and necklaces.
The stream of Starlight Stroll trademark yellow t-shirts and flickering lights along Harborne high street at 11pm was a sight to behold. The walk was launched for the second year running by Gill Gregory, Birmingham's Deputy Lady Mayoress.
Many of you were walking in memory of a former loved one cared for by the Hospice.
For those who couldn't make it, the eight-mile challenge began at 10pm at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston and took in Harborne and Selly Park.
The money Starlight Strollers raised will be used to fund care for people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell as well as support for their families.
Thank you
Speaking after the last walker returned at 1.58am, Hospice Head of Fundraising and Marketing Caroline Taylor declared the event a success.
She said: “We’ve managed to raise a serious amount of money which is great news and vital to the patients and families who rely on our care. The ladies who took part are a real credit to this city.
“It’s also wonderful to see the event evolving; participants, many of whom are returning each year to support their hospice, are bringing a great deal of colour to proceedings with imaginative fancy dress costumes. They really added to the atmosphere at what was a very special night.”
Caroline thanked the volunteers, who turned out to man the registration desks and marshal along the route. “Without their support the event would not have been possible, they did a great job yet again,” she added.
Fancy dress
Among those sporting fancy dress was Sharon Calvert, who was leading a team of seven pirates from William H. Painter Funeral Directors.
Sharon said: “We like to support local charities and when we heard of Starlight Stroll we thought it would be a fun thing to do. We know about the good work being done at the Hospice so we’re very happy to support it. We’re expecting to raise over £500 tonight. We’ve done quite a bit of fundraising individually and the company has given us support, so we’re really happy with that.” 
The strollers were also cheered on by patient Bob Clements as they walked past the Selly Park-based Hospice, which this year was specially illuminated with candles. Bob came out to see his mum Jacqui and sister Rachel who were taking part. The Clements family have raised something in the region of £7,000 for Birmingham St Mary’s over the past six months.
There were also a number of pets accompanying the strollers this year, including a labrador guide dog puppy led by Karen Henry, who was walking in memory of her mother who died five years ago at the Hospice.
Life-changing care
Each year Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for around 1,000 people with life-limiting conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and Aids.
The majority of patients are looked after in their homes, surrounded by family and friends. Those with more complex medical needs are able to stay in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Selly Park for respite or symptom control.
Birmingham St Mary’s Day Hospice on the same site offers patients with less advanced conditions the chance of a weekly visit to receive medical support, complementary and creative therapies and friendship, whilst giving their home carers some time off.
Fundraisers need to bring in nearly £2.5 million each year towards the £6.4 million annual running costs of the Hospice. The remainder of funding comes from the charity’s nine shops and through the NHS.
If you have any feedback about Starlight Stroll please contact us.
View photos from 2011 here
Starlight Stroll photographer Charles Davis has taken some fantastic pictures. Check them out - you might just see yourself!
We'd love your Starlight feedback
If you took part in Starlight Stroll, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the event. Please take a moment to fill in our short form and email it to Jayne.
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