Record numbers stepped up to support Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and its Rochdale counterpart Springhill Hospice, for the 13th annual, 7.25-mile, Hospice to Hospice Walk.
An incredible 576 walkers supporting Dr Kershaw’s - including plenty in fancy dress - took part in the trek, this year starting Heyside Cricket Club due to building work at the Royton Hospice.
And the seasonally spring weather encouraged plenty who hadn't signed up to do so on the day. A warm up led by Anna’s Dance got everyone ready, shortly followed by Shaw and Crompton’s Town Crier commencing the walk.
A total of 1,114 people put their best feet forward for the sponsored walk to support both hospices.
First to cross the finish line back at Heyside Cricket Club, Deborah and Stewart Miller, both 53, were delighted to support the Hospice after their own personal battles with cancer.
Deborah said: “I decided to jog and run the Hospice to Hospice Walk when I returned back to the gym after having breast cancer back in 2017 and skin cancer in December last year.”
“Having lost my mum, Stewart’s mum, my cousin and brother in law at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice we love taking part in their events – next up is Colour Blast!”
And many people walked in memory of their loved ones, Donna’s Army, including 84 people and several four-legged friends, took to the streets to honour Donna Birchall, 43. Mum of three boys, Donna was a regular at the Well-Being Centre, making lots of good friends at the Hospice, enjoying their Look Good Feel Good sessions and even attending the Mayors Ball.
Sister, Lisa, said: “Our Donna, where do I start? She was absolutely adored by her three boys, and her husband Carl and all of her family. Last year she took part in the Hospice to Hospice Walk with her son Lewis.”
Family, friends and work colleagues, both old and current, all wore butterfly stickers and their very own ‘Doing It for Donna’ shirts.
Dr Kershaw's events fundraiser, Vicky Stackhouse, said “What a wonderful atmosphere at this year’s Hospice to Hospice walk.
“There were so many supporters of all ages and four-legged friends gathered to raise funds for the Hospice.”
"It was amazing to see so many people gathered together all supporting the hospice. There was a real buzz in the air in the morning before the walkers set off.
"I am thrilled with the turnout and would like to thank everyone for their positive feedback on the day and on social media.”
Dr Kershaw’s Hospice’s next fundraising event is Hey Hey It’s Dr Kershaw’s Day on 17th May. Hey Hey it’s Dr Kershaw’s Day will see our community “showing the love” by joining in the fun and fundraising for the care of patients and families at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. Whether you bake cakes, dress down or collect pennies for patient care, set aside Friday 17th May to gather your family, friends, workmates and school pals to celebrate all things fun and raise money for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
To request a fundraising pack, call the fundraising team on 0161 624 9984.
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