Women in Dorset urged to sign up for charity walk (From Dorset Echo)

Women in Dorset urged to sign up for charity walk

11:30am Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News By Rachael Burnett

WOMEN in Dorset are being urged to sign up for this year’s Midnight Walk to support Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

The charity is inviting all the women in the county to take part in the annual fundraising event, which will be held on Saturday, July 20.

Registration is now open for the seventh Midnight Walk, backed by the Dorset Echo, which brings hundreds of walkers from around the county to Weymouth seafront.

Matt Smith, event organiser and manager, urged women to come along for an enjoyable evening to help raise vital funds to keep the charity’s services running.

He said: “This ladies-only event is the biggest one we organise and is a fantastic night.

“The atmosphere of seeing over 600 supporters coming together for their local hospice is just incredible.

“As well as the actual walk, we have a full line-up of entertainment before the start to keep the ladies entertained.”

Mr Smith added: “This year’s event will be one you won’t forget.

“There are lots of new additions to make this a proper ladies’ night out.”

The Dorset Echo is again a media partner for the fundraiser.

Editor Toby Granville said: “We are delighted to again offer our support to this innovative fundraising event.

“Weldmar Hospicecare Trust does tremendous work in the community which we also serve and we are proud to be associated with them.”

There will be three routes to choose from this year: five miles, six-and-a-half miles and 10 miles, all starting at midnight.

Last year 600 women took part and helped raise £66,000. Since the first event in 2007 the women of Dorset have raised more than £500,000.

This year Weldmar is appealing for help to make the walk the biggest and best yet and aims to raise £70,000.

The sum would enable the charity to care for 14 patients for a fortnight at Joseph Weld Hospice.

Registration is now open and there is a discount if you sign up before April 30.

The discounted fee is £14, or £16 after April 30, and £12 for children aged 14 to 18.

This covers the cost of administering a place, a 2013 midnight walk T-shirt, flashing bunny ears, refreshments during and after the walk and other goodies.

Volunteers are also needed to help with marshalling on the evening.

To register or volunteer call 01305 261800, visit weld-hospice.org.uk/midnightwalk or fill out a registration form from any Weldmar shop or the Joseph Weld Hospice, in Dorchester.