Make a first footing into next year’s diary by saving the date of Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s annual Walk in the Dark on Saturday, April 29th.
The 11-mile carnival-esque jaunt along the A6 from Chorley & South Ribble District Hospital to the Royal Preston Hospital is returning for its ninth consecutive year but will be sponsored for the first time in its history by Walton Summit-based property company Eric Wright Group.
The walk is one of a number of activities organised directly by the charity, which works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria via their local hospitals and the region’s specialist treatment centre, the Rosemere Cancer Centre at the Royal Preston Hospital.
Next March marks the 20th anniversary of the centre’s opening. Birthday celebrations are already being planned alongside a 20 Years Anniversary Appeal. Money raised by this special anniversary Walk in the Dark event from entry fees and sponsorship will go directly to the 20 Years Anniversary Appeal – Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s most ambitious ever.
Although the details of the appeal are yet to be finalised, it will focus on ensuring the cancer centre, which provides all the region’s radiotherapy, as well as other specialist cancer surgery and services that are not available at any other hospital in Lancashire or South Cumbria, is at the cutting edge of cancer treatment globally.
Cathy Skidmore, who is Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s corporate fundraising manager, said: “Next year is going to be so exciting. Walk in the Dark is one of our flagship events on which we rely for funds so we are very grateful to Eric Wright Group for stepping up and coming forward with sponsorship. Its support enables all money raised by walkers to go to our 20 Years Anniversary Appeal as it covers the cost of staging the event.
“Traditionally, Walk in the Dark attracts around 300 to 400 walkers but we are hoping to double this number next April. The walk always has a carnival atmosphere with lots of entrants dressing up and people along the route coming out of their homes to cheer walkers on but we want to make 2017’s event into a giant street party to celebrate the centre’s 20th birthday!”
Jeremy Hartley, managing director of Eric Wright Group, added: “We are delighted to be involved in Walk in the Dark, especially in Rosemere Cancer Centre’s 20th anniversary year. As a local company, we are well aware of the centre at which a number of our staff and family members have been treated. It is our pleasure to support Rosemere Cancer Foundation and the work it does to support not only the centre but all our region’s hospital cancer units and cancer patients.”
The walk sets off at 9-30 pm. Entry is £10 per person with children under 12 able to participate for free. Fancy dress is optional. Walkers walk at their own speed – there is no time limit but traditionally, the event attracts a number of runners! All entrants receive a goody bag at the start of the walk and are welcomed at the finish with brews and bacon barms.
To sign up, visit rosemere.org.uk, call 01772 522913 or email [email protected]
Rosemere Cancer Foundation spends the donations it receives on vital equipment, research and training that cannot be funded by the NHS. It has also just part funded the new chemotherapy unit at Chorley and South Ribble District Hospital. In addition, the charity funds those things that can make the cancer journey a little more comfortable such as free access to complementary therapies for all newly diagnosed patients.
