A council chairman has joined day guests at St Cuthbert’s Hospice in urging on an army of local women as they prepare for the Durham Midnight Walk, on Saturday.

Durham County Council Chairman John Robinson, who will address the crowds on Saturday night. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be at the Midnight Walk. It is a wonderful event and the hospice is marvellous.

“I’d like to thank all the people who are supporting the event and hope all the ladies and girls who are taking part enjoy themselves. Good luck to everyone.”

And the day guests, pictured, who enjoy specialist care once a week at the hospice in Neville’s Cross, say they are indebted to the walkers who will turn out at St Leonard’s Playing Fields at Aykley Heads Durham, tomorrow (Saturday) night.

Elizabeth Cairns, 82, said: “We want other people to benefit from St Cuthbert’s. It is a very worthwhile cause. We wish everybody well who is going on the walk.”
Her friend and fellow guests, Sylvia Gainford, 79, said: “I will be 80 in March. I love walking, and dancing and gardening. I will start again with the walking, then the dancing, then the gardening. I think the Midnight Walk is brilliant. I would love to do it, but unfortunately this year, I’m not really capable. But hopefully, next year I will.”

Paul Marriott, Chief Executive of the hospice, said: “We are always humbled by the strength of character we see every day at the hospice and the support we receive from the community is just as amazing. We never take it for granted.”

“Once again, the Midnight Walk promises to be extremely successful.”

The event at Aykley Heads, which raised some £50,000 last year, starts from 10pm tomorrow night. Local singer Richard Morrell will perform as will a fire artist and there will be a zumba warm up artist and a variety of stalls. As well as a welcome from Cllr Robinson, there will be speeches from local women whose families have experienced St Cuthbert’s Hospice’s care.

The £10 registrations will still be taken on the night.

ENDS

Photos: Pictured walking at the hospice are day guests Audrey Adamson, 94, of Gilesgate Moor, Elizabeth Cairns, 82, of Kelloe, Nadine Tuffnell, 85, of Chester le Street and Sylvia Gainford, 79, of Newton Hall. The day hospice ladies walk, flanked by EMS ambulance paramedic Claire Hudson, and our healthcare assistant Rachel Eddy.