Starlight Hike in aid of hospice is not just for the ladies this time (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Starlight Hike in aid of hospice is not just for the ladies this time

12:00pm Saturday 4th August 2012 in Marlborough

People from Marlborough and surrounding areas are being asked to get their walking boots on when the town plays host to the Prospect Hospice Starlight Hike on September 15.

Last year’s event was for women only and raised £10,000 for the hospice. This year, fund-raisers at the hospice have opened it up to men too, acknowledging that they are also looking for a challenge in support of the hospice.

Becky Gammon, the event organiser, said: “We have renamed it the Starlight Hike to reflect the fact that the event is very different to the Swindon Starlight Walk.

“Whilst the Swindon event takes place mainly on well-lit roads through the town, the Marlborough Hike goes along byways and footpaths in the countryside.

“There are a few slopes to climb, a couple of muddy tracks, and of course the whole thing takes place at night, although we make sure that the whole walk is well-signposted and marshalled, of course, so that people can just enjoy themselves – but the 15km hike is still pretty demanding.”

Commenting on the decision to open up the event to both sexes, Ms Gammon said: “We recognised it’s an event that men might enjoy too, so we have decided for the first time for our Starlight events to open registrations to both men and women “We are hoping that the women walkers who took part last year might like to invite their male family members and friends along this time too.”

She extended an invitation to local businesses to get involved by entering office or workplace teams.

The event is supported by St John’s School where the 15k route starts and ends and by the school’s caterers Pabulum, who will be supplying refreshments at the end of the walk.

The Hike is also supported by Aspire Signs and Graphics who provide banners and graphics for the event.

A map and details of the route are available on Prospect’s website where you can also register for £15 per person, which includes your red, white and blue themed event T-shirt.

To register for the walk go to www.prospect-hospice.net/ marlboroughstarlight, or for further information, email: fundraising&events @prospect-hospice.net or call the fund raising team on (01793) 816161.