St Nicholas Hospice Care calls for helpers to make walk a success

Organisers of a charity walk which sees women light up Bury St Edmunds with their flashing bunny ears have issued an appeal for help to ensure the event runs without a hitch.

St Nicholas Hospice Care’s ninth Girls Night Out moonlight walk will take place on Saturday, September 9, and those behind the fundraiser, which last year raised £250,000, needs some helping hands on the night, make sure everything runs smoothly.

The charity needs people willing to give their time and volunteer for a variety of roles including marshalling along the route, handing out water and snacks to walkers, as well as welcoming people back once they have finished their challenge with a friendly.

Charlie De-Moore, hospice events fundraiser, said: “Volunteering as a marshal is a great way to get involved with Girls Night Out and enjoy the fantastic atmosphere of the evening if you do not feel able to complete the walk yourself, or if you are a man!

“Many of our marshals thoroughly enjoy themselves and return to help each year.

“Girls Night Out needs to be safe as well as fun, so that’s why we need as many marshals as possible to help make sure all the women taking part follow the correct route and are happy all the way round.”

This year, more than 1,900 women have already signed up for the walk which starts and finishes on Angel Hill, and sees women don pyjamas, comfy footwear and flashing bunny ears to stride either 11.2 or six miles around the town.

The occasion, which is this year sponsored by J M Finn & Co, creates a brilliant atmosphere around the town and when it comes to volunteers the more the merrier.

Jill Lusty became involved with the walk through the Mildenhall Marvels, she said: “It is quite hard to explain what it feels like when you see what seems like a sea of bunny ears coming towards you.

“Everyone is just so pleased to see you and it feels so good to be able to give them their medal as they celebrate what they have done.”

If you would like to volunteer for the event please contact Charlie De-Moore by calling 01284 715599 or emailing charlie.de-moore@stnh.org.uk

If you would like to walk the event registration forms are available from hospice shops in Bury St Edmunds, Sudbury, Newmarket, Haverhill, Mildenhall and Brandon, or you can sign up online at www.stnicholashospicecare.org.uk.

Registration costs £15, including a t-shirt. You must be aged 14 to take part and those between 14 and 17 must walk with someone over the age of 18.