Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is delighted to announce that ‘Call the Midwife’ actor, Cliff Parisi, will once again join them at their annual memory walk. Star Shine Night Walk sponsored by Bramley Court Care Home, will be going retro this year with a 1980s theme on Saturday 18 May.
The walk, which takes place in just three weeks, will see hundreds of ‘ace’ walkers put their best leg-warmer’d foot forward, to raise funds for hospice care in Cambridgeshire. The popular walk has the option of a 10 or a 6.5 mile route, around Cambridge’s beautiful countryside and historical streets. It will begin at 8pm this year, starting and finishing at Shelford Rugby Club.
Mr Parisi – who previously played Minty Peterson in ‘EastEnders’ and now portrays handyman and gardener Fred Buckle in the well-loved BBC period drama ‘Call the Midwife’ – has once again agreed to be part of the fun. Last year he chatted to walkers, answered questions, posed for photos and assisted with the warm-up, before sounding the klaxon and cheering them across the start line.
Senior Events and Marketing Officer, Tasha Hills comments: “It’s amazing to think that since Star Shine Night Walk started in 2008, our participants have raised more than £335,000 through their entry fees and sponsorship efforts! To give you an idea of the importance of these funds raised, they could fund the equivalent of an 8-week Day Therapy programme for 254 patients. This weekly session helps provide invaluable physical, practical and emotional support to people who have received a life-limiting diagnosis.
“As well as funding such a huge amount of care for our patients, we find that it’s a lovely opportunity for supporters of the Hospice to come together and share their stories on an evening with a very special atmosphere. We are so excited about our ‘totally awesome’ retro theme and can’t wait to see their ’ace’ 80’s themed outfits.
“I would encourage all those wishing to take part with family or friends to sign up, as soon as possible. If you have a team of more than 10, please give us a call on 01223 675888 as we love to hear from large groups in advance so we can do a shout out to you on the evening.
Headline sponsor Bramley Court Care Home, which is entering a team of 12, comments: “This is a cause close to our hearts and for the residents taking part it will be a huge and memorable achievement. We are proud to support community initiatives such as this, promoting health, wellbeing and friendship.''
Registrations are open at www.starshinewalk.co.uk/register. Your £17.50 per person registration fee covers the cost of putting on the walk, your t-shirt and medal, plus celebratory hot drink and bacon or veggie roll at the finish line - where there will also be the opportunity for a photo under the beautiful star-laden memory arch.
Arthur Rank Hospice needs to secure £8.25 million this year to deliver services free of charge to patients and their loved ones. About half of this currently comes from statutory sources, with further funds raised thanks to the wider local community, through events such as the Star Shine Night Walk.
The events team are also looking for local businesses to sponsor the event’s mile-markers and volunteers to marshal the walk and help with other volunteer roles on the night. If you would like to help the Hospice’s fundraising team, in these or any other way, please get in touch on 01223 675891 or 675886.