Marshals still needed to guide hospice walk (From Warrington Guardian)
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St Rocco’s Hospice appeal for volunteers for Starlight event
8:10am Saturday 28th April 2012 in News
Deborah and Paul Beards
PAUL and Deborah Beards are all set for a big night out in Warrington on Friday, June 22.
But instead of their gladrags they will be donning high-visibility jackets on their midnight mission to help guide thousands of women who will be taking to the streets for St Rocco’s Hospice’s Starlight Walk.
The couple, from Whitecross, have been marshals on the route since the walk began six years ago.
Deborah said: “Why do we and many other people give up a night’s sleep to marshal this walk? Paul and myself have kept going back year after year, the reason being two-fold.
“Seeing hundreds of women turn up in the dead of night to walk anywhere between 6.5 miles and 13 miles to raise vital funds for the St Rocco’s Hospice, many of whom have personal stories, is both humbling and inspiring.
“Playing a small part in helping to make a big difference to the lives of the people who use St Rocco’s more than makes up for one nights missed sleep.”
The massive logistical operation behind the midnight walk relies on the help of 250 volunteers who give up their bed for the night to help marshal the route which leads through the town.
“Being a marshal is an integral part of the walk,” Deborah added.
“It ensures the safety of all women taking part.
“It is a fun event with many of the women entering into a carnival spirit with much camaraderie taking place between the walkers and the marshals, usually in spite of the dodgy British weather.”
The hospice is still in need of a further 100 men and women aged over 18 to act as marshals both on the route and at Orford Park when the walkers arrive back.
Julia Kindon, voluntary services manager at St Rocco’s, said: “I am always amazed by the enthusiasm and willingness to help on the night. This event often appeals to people who don’t want to commit to regular volunteering but can just help at a ‘one-off’ event.”
If you would like to help out register at stroccos.org.uk/newmarshal or ring the volunteers’ office on 575780.
