Stars stride out in Moonlight and Memories Walk

By Jade Taylorson

Nearly 900 walkers took to the streets of Preston as part of the Moonlight and Memories Walk in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.

This year’s walk was extra special as the hospice celebrates its 30^th anniversary. For the first time, participants set off from St Catherine’s in Lostock Hall and completed either an eight or 16 mile route.

In total walkers have pledged an incredible £83,132 in sponsorship from the event, which will be used to help fund the specialised care of St Catherine’s for local people facing life-shortening conditions.

Pre-walk entertainment was provided by singer Dave Massam and The Bee Radio got everyone warmed up ready for the route.

Before they set off the crowd even took part in a group #AirGuitarChallenge –a campaign launched by the hospice to celebrate their special birthday. It is inspired by the fact Status Quo are playing at Symphony at the Tower in aid of St Catherine’s on July 3^rd and sees people share video clips of themselves doing their best air guitar moves on social media, before giving a £3 donation by texting Hospice Guitar to 70444 and nominating friends to do the same.

Click here to see the video on our Facebook page and click here here to see photos from the night!

Among them were Sarah Duck and her nine-year-old daughter Jessica. They were walking in memory of Sarah’s dad and Jessica’s granddad Denis Wade who died last September. He had received the care of the St Catherine’s Clinical Nurse Specialist team at home and Sarah said they wanted to do something to show their support.

Sarah, from Hesketh, said: “They were such a help in keeping my dad at home, where he wanted to be. When we heard about the walk we thought it was a great way to give something back and Jessica really wanted to do something in memory of her granddad.

“It was a very exciting night and we were proud to take part.”

A group from Footprints Nursery at Bamber Bridge also strode out proudly at the event, walking in memory of loved ones.

Donna Bagwell, who works at the nursery, said: “We have supported St Catherine’s in various ways over the years including through an annual Yuletide Toddle with the children. We wanted to continue that by taking part in the walk and raising some money for a local charity which does such important work.”

Louise Benney and Cheryl Marshall arrived in eighties fancy dress complete with leg warmers, gloves, visors and back-packs decorated with fairy lights! Louise walked in memory of a lady who used to look after her daughter, and Cheryl in memory of a colleague from the school where she works.

Cheryl said: “This is the third year we have taken part and we just love it. There’s always a brilliant atmosphere and it’s great to do something so positive in their memory.”

Petra Grundy and friend Val Warry have taken part each year since the walk began in 2007. This year they dressed up with ‘happy anniversary’ banners in honour of St Catherine’s 30th birthday.

Petra, who worked in memory of a friend from Holland, said: “I always make sure I keep the date of the walk free – I never want to miss out. It’s all about having fun in the name of a brilliant cause. We change outfits each year – it’s all part of the fun!”

Rachael James and Helen Noblett from Penwortham were part of a group of 20 from Penwortham Primary School who took part.

They said: “St Catherine’s Hospice is a charity we are really keen to help raise money for.

“Previously, we’ve raised money by doing cake sales but this is our first year taking part in the walk.”

Kate and Janet Walker and Andrea Godkin from Leyland were also walking.

They said: “We are raising money, in memory of friends and relatives we have lost to cancer, for a very good charity. Cancer affects everyone in one way or another.”

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