Walkers go one step further in support of St Catherine’s

St Catherine’s Hospice has continued to benefit from a series of guided walks – held to raise funds for the charity – after a walking group donated proceeds from the sale of special commemorative badges.

The Lancashire Dot Com Walkers organised a trio of local guided treks earlier this year which all ended with a delicious afternoon tea treat at The Mill café, based in the hospice grounds of St Catherine’s Park, Lostock Hall.

Member Jim Skipper and his wife Susan have been volunteering at the hospice for the past nine years, helping out at various fundraising events such as the charity’s annual Plant Sale – taking place this year on Sunday 1^st May – Light Up A Life ceremonies, and Symphony at the Tower weekends.

They also plan to lend a hand once again at this year’s Moonlight and Memories Walk on 4^th June.

And when she heard about the walking group’s efforts to raise money for the cause, creative Susan – who enjoys doing needlework and making felt broaches in her spare time – decided to go one step further.

Walk leader Bob Clare explained: “We’ve been talking about getting some commemorative badges for the group for some time, and organising the charity walks seemed like an ideal opportunity to go ahead with the idea.

“When Susan heard we were supporting St Catherine’s, she offered to do the design for us. It’s a wonderful Lancashire scene and depicts Pendle Hill and a walking boot, along with the Lancashire Rose.”

The fabric badges were produced by Jacquard Weaving Company in Withnell, with proceeds from sales going to the hospice.

“We approached a company which has a lot of heritage in the area, as we wanted to support a local business as well as a local charity,” Bob said.

“It came as a pleasant surprise to find a textile company so near at hand, reminding us of the industrial heritage of the red rose county. We very much appreciate the efforts of Gail Hull and her team at Jacquard in turning Susan’s design into a great badge.”

The group visited the hospice to present the £150 raised from the initiative to Nicola Hanmer, St Catherine’s commercial catering manager, who organised the afternoon teas.

More guided walks with visits to The Mill are being arranged for September, October and November.

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