THE recent balmy weather did not hold for the annual St Rocco’s Starlight Walk with light rain falling as around 1,000 women of all ages took part in the fundraising midnight walk.
Since the Starlight Walk became a fixture in the St Rocco’s calendar 12 years ago it has raised £1.8m and this year over £100,000 will again be raised.
After the registration, the walkers gathered outside Orford Jubilee Hub and were entertained by DJ Andy Vance. Just before midnight there were short speeches by Pam Massey, CEO of St Rocco’s and the Chair Norman Banner.
Pam spoke of the work of St Rocco’s and the increasing need for fundraising in view of the reduction in funding from NHS.
Norman, who retires as Chair in October, spoke of the humbling experience of his role with so many health care and associated professionals at St Rocco’s delivering the superb care to patients and the management organising the business side of the charity , the many volunteers, including the charity shop workers some with 30 plus years of service and the humbling experience of being with the hundreds who gather each year to remember their loved ones at the Light up a Life services at Christmastime.
Norman added: “One of the most humbling experiences is standing in front of the 1,000 ladies giving their time from midnight onwards on the Walk.”
There followed a warm up session and then the countdown by the Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Les Morgan before the Walk commenced at midnight. It took a full five minutes for the walkers to pass the podium.
Former Warrington Wolves’ player Ben Harrison, currently in his testimonial season, gave up his time to hand out medals.
For more pictures from the event visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/st_roccos/sets/72157685531940095
