Official Launch of Gemstone Walk
OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE HOSPICE CHARITY MIDNIGHT WALK ANNOUNCED
The official launch of this summer’s Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) Gemstone Midnight Walk will take place on Saturday 8th March in Friars Square Shopping Centre from 10am-4pm, when the silver ballot for 25 male places will also open.
The annual event, now in its fifth year, is a ladies-only night-time walking challenge comprising of a six or 13-mile route around Aylesbury. In order to mark the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Florence Nightingale Hospice, the Charity has revealed that this year, 25 places for MEN are up for grabs.
How it works
Ladies are being encouraged to nominate their special man (nominations forms will be provided at the launch and can be submitted to organisers on the day) – be it a family member, partner or husband, to walk alongside the hundreds of local women who are expected to take part. Alternatively, nominations can be emailed to 25@fnhospice.org.uk or you can pop your nomination in the post to the Charity office. Simply explain why your ‘man’ should get one of the 25 places. Entries for the special silver ballot places must be received by Midday on Friday 25th April. Those selected will be asked to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship.
The official launch is a chance to find out more about the Gemstone Midnight Walk (which starts and finishes at Aylesbury College), view footage and photos from previous Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity Midnight walks, register on the day as an individual or team, plus receive some early training advice from Joanna Beardsmore-Dilks of Rosemary Conley Diet & Fitness Club (RCDFC), who provides the fun-packed Midnight Walk warm-up on the night. Joanna will be on hand to answer any prospective walker training queries.
Helping to kick-off the event will be the Mix 96 Street Stars, plus there will be a tombola and activities for the kids.
The walk is the biggest fundraiser in the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s fundraising calendar, with previous events raising over a quarter of a million pounds for the Hospice. It is hoped that this year’s event will push that figure over the £300,000 mark. Last year a record 754 ladies took on the challenge, and organisers are hoping many more will want to sign up in the Silver Jubilee year.
Registration for the event costs £15 (same price as last year), and includes access to a 10-week training plan, t-shirt, medal, refreshments both pre, during and post walk and a hot & cold breakfast on completion of the challenge. The event stage show will be hosted by Mix 96 breakfast presenter Katy Butler, with staging provided by local company Class Act and entertainment courtesy of local performers (to be announced at a later date).
A number of celebrity faces have lent their support to the walk over the years, including Aylesbury lass Lynda Bellingham, singer Tony Hadley, actress Anita Dobson and local footballer Emmerson Boyce.
If you would like to find out more about Florence Nightingale’s Gemstone Midnight Walk visit www.gemstonewalk.co.uk, call 01296 429975, or visit www.fnhospice.org.uk.
The Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) needs to raise over £600,000 this year to keep essential in-patient and at-home services running for local families affected by life-limiting illness across Aylesbury Vale and surrounding area.