News

Join me on a midnight stroll for our hospice

12 February 2010

A mum of two is urging people to join her as she sets out to raise pounds for charity and lose a few of her own along the way.

Marie Ellefsen has signed up for this summer’s St Helena Hospice Midnight Walk, after the High Woods-based charity looked after her grandmother Alice Warner, who died of cancer in July 2008.

The 30 year old, of Hawthorn Avenue, Greenstead, said she wanted to try to give something back to the hospice, but is also hoping to lose some weight on the way.

She has already lost two stone with the help of a trainer at Cornerstone health centre in the town, but would like to lose at least four more.

She said: “All my family went to the hospice when my nan was there, and the staff are just so lovely and caring. I really wanted to give something back, so when I saw this on the internet, I wanted to give it a go.”

The women-only event, on Saturday June 5, is the second annual Midnight Walk put on by the hospice. There are 2,500 spaces, but more than 500 spaces are already filled as women eagerly signed up in the week the event was launched. Plenty of people have also offered to volunteer.

The 12km (7.5-mile) walk takes a circular route, setting off from Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium. Registration is £15 and participants, many of whom walk in memory of a loved one, are asked to raise sponsorship.

Mrs Ellefsen, mum to Stephanie, 12, and Joshua, eight, said she hopes to get a group of friends together for the walk. But she urged as many people as possible to sponsor her or someone else taking part.

Event Manager Kate Alden said men could volunteer as stewards or show support as spectators.

Registration closes in May, and there is no opportunity to sign up on the night. Call 01206 791740 or visit www.colchestermidnightwalk.co.uk or to sponsor Mrs Ellefsen visit www.jusgiving.com/marie-ellefsen

 

Gazette, 11/02/10, Lauren Oldershaw