Sleepwalk raises cash for hospice
A PYJAMA party in Grimsby helped raise about £50,000 for St Andrew's Hospice, as hundreds of women took part in a midnight sleepwalk.
As many as 540 women marched through North East Lincolnshire in the early hours of Saturday, dressed in their nightwear, with the goal of raising money for Grimsby's hospice.
It was the second St Andrew's Hospice Sleepwalk, after last year's inaugural event raised more than £50,000.
The female fundraisers met at Freshney Place shopping centre for some pre-event entertainment from Merlin's Keep and Sambalada, as well as a warm-up aerobics session with Will Pool.
At midnight, they set off towards Freeman Street, before walking along Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes Promenade, through Humberston, Laceby Road, Chelmsford Avenue, Littlefield Lane and back to Freshney Place.
The first woman back arrived at 2.27am, with the final female crossing the line at about 5am.
Hospice fundraiser Angela Greenfield said: "Once again, we have had a fantastic turnout and a really good evening. We believe we have raised between £45,000 and £50,000, which is great.
"That kind of money really is invaluable to the hospice, as we rely almost 100 per cent on donations."
The sleepwalk takes place at various hospices across the country.
After crossing the finishing line, the weary women were greeted with bacon sandwiches, tea, coffee and bucks fizz.
Maureen King, 49, of David Street, Grimsby, completed the sleepwalk at 3.15am.
She was doing it with a group called the Monday Club Ladies and Microlights, which included her sister, Lesley Toyne, 50, of Laceby.
The walk had extra significance for the duo as their father, Andrew King, died at the hospice in 2004, aged 73.
Maureen said: "Because of what happened with my dad, the hospice is particularly close to my heart.
"The group of us did it together, all raising money separately and I raised about £100.
"It went very well. I felt a bit dizzy at the end, but it was worth it."
Lesley said: "We were thinking of Dad as we walked around."
Friends Lisa Stafford, Kim Mooton, Jo Ruddick, Caroline Hickman and Diana Hodson dressed in identical pyjamas and raised money together.
Lisa, a health trainer, was the first to finish. She said: "The event went really well, and I beat my time from last year, which is great."
Kim, who came second, said: "It is a fun event for a worthwhile cause."
6 Comments
by Janine, Grimsby
Monday, July 06 2009, 8:46PM
“Myself and my neighbour did both the Sleepwalk and the Race for Life, despite there being little more than 24 hours between finishing one and starting the other, but we enjoyed both very much, and will definitely be doing them again next year.”
by dw, grimsby
Monday, July 06 2009, 7:04PM
“My wife took part of the sleepwalk and had a great time.It just a shame us men folk were not allowed to take part as I know a few of us would like to have taken part”
by Paula, Harrington st.
Monday, July 06 2009, 6:14PM
“I took part with my friend Joanne and today i was sad to see it was over shadowed by the race for life, they are both worthy courses. bring on 2010. Thanks to all who helped to organise it.”
by Donna, cleethorpes
Monday, July 06 2009, 4:45PM
“i took part in the moonlight walk on friday night, it was a real good atmosphere throughout. great to get so much support from passing traffic + revelers, thanks to all the organisers + marshalls xx”
by C Kelly, Imm Ming!
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:37PM
“I took part with my work colleagues & thoroughly enjoyed it! The support from passing traffic & Emergency Services was appreciated! Fantastic weather for it too. Felt really proud when we finished - same time next year!”
by Victoria Ayling, Grimsby
Monday, July 06 2009, 7:59AM
“I took part and it was great fun. 500 women tramping through Grimsby was quite a sight and we made quite an impact. The funds are essential for the hospice and I was glad I could do my bit”