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Final chance to sign up for the Midnight Walk

Alex Bell
3/ 9/2008

WANNABE midnight marchers have been thrown an unexpected extended deadline!

The absolute closing date for entries into the first ever East Cheshire Hospice Midnight Walk is now Friday, September 5.

The move comes on the back of a huge surge in entries, with 460 now signed up.

And one lady to take advantage of the turnaround is Mottram resident and chief executive of Cheshire Building Society (CBS), Karen McCormick.

She will join the eager strollers to start out in three staggered groups from the Tytherington Club on September 13.

But Karen is calling on more late applicants to submit their online applications.

"Anyone who thinks the walk is important should consider what they are doing and come and join in as taking part in any way can make a huge difference.

"This is the beginning! Raising the money is an achieveable goal but will only happen if the public continue to support the amazing work that ECH do," said Karen.

To dramatically improve its patient care, ECH needs £2.5million to develop and complete a new three phase building project.

And five weeks since the Macclesfield Express and the Millbank Drive charity kicked-off a joint campaign, the debut event of the ‘Caring for Our Future Appeal’ – the Midnight Walk – is nearing its target of gathering 500 wanderers, ten days before it begins.

Jacinta Massey, the walk event manager, who recently tested out the 10km route, is hoping the Silk Town skyline will have a shining light of its own come September 13.

She said: "We planned it for this time of year because there is a much better chance of there being a full moon, hence our logo for the event. It would just be perfect if this happened.

"In just over two hours I managed to complete the 10km at a steady pace, whilst taking in the picturesque views and surroundings. The route is an enjoyable one and will suit walkers of all abilities."

However, despite walking numbers appearing right on track, Jacinta still needs 20 route marshals to direct the crowds.

Karen added: "You don’t have to walk, marshals play an equally important role. The more help gathered, the more ECH can build on what happens after the walk. Every single person involved could ultimately be the difference of having the new facility or not having it."

And CBS boss Karen described the atmosphere at ECH as one of amazing positivity.

"I don’t think everyone is generally aware that the hospice does not receive government funding. They make a big big difference to very sick people and their families and the new facilities will greatly improve things.

"I think the walk will be fun and social. I’ve been really excited since making my late application and want to gather as many people together as possible.

"It’s a long time since I have been up since the early hours. I think I was partying a long time ago but with it being at midnight we may as well have a real good walk," added Karen.

With one final chance to register and contribute towards the hospice’s aim of raising £35,000 from this unique event, walkers and volunteers are advised to register online at www.eastcheshirehospice.org.uk by following the link to the Midnight Walk.

Alternatively you can contact ECH fundraising office on 01625 433477 for further information.

The closing date for volunteer and walk registrations is Friday, September 5.

Click on 'View gallery' for a route map

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