Walk for Wards is back for 2016
ONCE again the local community, patients and hospital staff are preparing to walk together to raise money for their local hospitals at Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, October 2, 2016.
Last year’s event raised over £7,000, providing extra care for patients across the hospitals – from those fighting cancer in the Oncology Centre to patients receiving treatment in the Stroke Unit, and a large team of midwives walked to raise funds for the Women’s Centre.
The walk will take place at Cirencester Park, by kind permission of Lord Bathurst Patron of Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, and participants will have the opportunity to enjoy the estate’s stunning and varied scenery of woodland, parkland and a farm.
Many people taking part have a personal reason for supporting their local hospitals, walking to say thank you for the care that they or family members have received.
Walkers can decide which ward or area of the hospitals will directly benefit from their support, and can choose to walk 3km or a full 10km challenge.
The family friendly shorter route will give supporters of all abilities the chance to join in, and children can take part free of charge.
Canine participants are also welcome, with dogs and their owners joining the walk, and refreshments will be provided for all walkers.
The scenic journey will be soundtracked by The Metz Big Band, who will perform on arrival and at the end of the walk.
The band are continuing their support of the Hospitals Charity, having raised over £1,800 for local cancer patients through a sell-out concert earlier in the year.
Richard Smith, Head of Fundraising at Cheltenham & Gloucester Hospitals Charity: “We’re delighted to be back with our 2016 Walk for Wards and it is amazing to see local patients, their families and hospital staff coming together to make a difference for our local hospitals.
"The funds they raise will make a huge impact on the lives of local patients and many of our walkers will be supporting specific wards or departments, enabling the Doctors and Ward Sisters to enhance patient care by providing specialist equipment over and above that provided by the NHS.”
The walk is free to enter, with participants asked to raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship and to register in advance at walkforwards.co.uk or contact fundraising@glos.nhs.uk 0300 4226738.
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