Pink army on midnight charity march
10:08am Saturday 14th June 2008 in News By Staff Reporter
ANYONE walking home from the pub tonight could be forgiven for thinking they have had one too many.
They might not see pink elephants - but they could see a pink army on the march.
For what might well greet them is hundreds of pink-clad women, many wearing pink wigs, pink furry buttons, pink cowboy hats and flashing pink bunny ears, walking en masse to raise as much money as possible for Bolton Hospice.
The pink pedestrians will be taking part in the Midnight Memories Walk which, as well as raising money for a deserving cause, is a way of remembering loved ones who have died.
Almost 1,700 women will set off from Bolton town centre on the stroke of midnight for the trek to a pelican crossing just before the Beehive pub at Horwich via Chorley New Road and then back to Bolton, a distance of eight miles.
The event has been organised by the hospice. It is the second year the walk has taken place and organisers are hoping to top last year's total raised of £176,000.
Maria Pasarello, hospice events co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted with the response and we have just under 1,700 walkers and around 200 volunteers.
"We hope to raise around £200,000 but we couldn't do this without all the volunteers putting in all that effort voluntarily.
"I am walking in memory of my sister-in-law, Lesley Shawcross, who died of breast cancer in the hospice, two weeks ago.
"I will be walking with Lesley's daughter, Chloe. I feel the memory part of the walk is very important for many people."
She added: "We are really excited about the walk which is part of our biggest fund-raising event.
"The walk raises substantial funds to care for local people with terminal illnesses and to support their families. Every step you take makes a massive difference."
Like last year, car parks will be available at Central Street and Morrisons supermarket but not at Sainsbury's.
Instead, there will be spaces at the Grosvenor Casino, which is well lit, secure and nearer to the event. All three car parks will be manned by police and walk marshalls.
There will be pink merchandise on sale in Victoria Square - from where the walk will set off - and Tower FM will be providing entertainment to get the walkers in the mood.
Following the success of last year's fundraiser, when 1,500 women walked and raised £176,000, organisers decided to increase the entry to 2,000 this year and nearly 1,700 women responded.
Among those taking part will be TV star Casey-Lee Jolleys who will set the walkers off but not before a minute's silence in memory of absent loved ones.
The former Coronation Street actress said: "This walk is an absolutely fabulous idea. It's a great way for people who have lost loved ones to remember them."
"I just hope this event raises as much as possible. People will be able to have some fun as well. Hospices are wonderful places. They help whole families."
All the walkers will be given a bacon roll and a drink at the end, plus a goodie bag with a certificate from The Bolton News.
Hayvern Construction in Jackson Street, Farnworth, donated £1,500 from a Christmas party fund which will pay for portable toilets at the walk.
The Midnight Memories walk is sponsored by Warburtons, Bolton Council, Greater Manchester Police, Fitness First, N Knowles a Son Ltd, David Lloyd and Joseph Athertons.
