Top fundraisers of midnight walk recognised by hospice

Melanie Staunton of Worthing was awarded the trophy for ‘Top Individual Fundraiser’ after single-handedly securing £1,165 in sponsorship.

This year, the trophy for ‘Top Fundraising Team’ went to Christina Lunn of Worthing, as her nine-strong team from Littlehampton and Lancing called ‘The House Martins’ raised £2,538 collectively.

Additionally, there was a draw held for all participants and the prizes awarded were as follows:

£100 - £149 raised in sponsorship went to Tara Al-Kass who won an in-salon conditioning treatment, followed by a cut and finish with a Richard John hair designer

£150 - £249 raised in sponsorship went to Alison Wyatt who won a luxury Clarins Tri-Active Facial

More than £250 raised in sponsorship went to Julia Sweeney who raised over £400 and won a luxury Clarins Tri-Active Body Treatment, followed by a colour and cut with a senior hair designer

Walker Natalie Reardon from Lancing is also being celebrated after completing her fourth 13 mile midnight walk and raising more than £2,500 for St Barnabas House since she lost her father Bill Reardon in 2010.

Her dad Bill was diagnosed in 2007 with prostate cancer which had already spread to his spine so Natalie suggested he retire and move in with her and her family.

The whole family loved having Bill living with them as he would entertain the children by playing guitar or just pottering around the garden with them in tow.

As Bill’s condition became worse, his GP put the family in contact with St Barnabas House’s palliative care team. Initially Bill was reluctant to talk about his condition, however, he found attending St Barnabas House once a week incredibly useful as he was around like-minded people that cared and empathised with what he was going through and he also received a weekly massage to help with his lymph glands.

Natalie said: “We all had a preconceived idea of what a hospice would be like, however, we were shocked to find how wrong we all were. St Barnabas House was a happy place filled with caring people and dignity. My father spent the last three weeks of his life in the hospice and he couldn’t have been more comfortable or in a better place. Not only did they care for him but the whole of my family too.”

She continued: “I heard about the Night to Remember midnight walk through a mum at school and decided that I would take part in memory of my dad and to give something back to the charity that had helped us so much.

“To be able to raise more than £2,500 for the charity in only four years has been amazing and I look forward to breaking the £3,000 mark when I attempt the 13 mile walk for the fifth time in 2015.”

The annual fundraising event, which took place on Saturday 21 June in Worthing, saw more than 1,000 ladies walking a seven, 13.1 (half marathon) or - new for this year - 20 mile routes around the streets of Worthing and along the promenade under the stars.

Event Organiser, Lucy Bone said: “We would like to thank everyone who supported the event and participated in this year’s Night to Remember midnight walk. Every single lady that took part and fundraised and achieved their own personal walking targets was outstanding. This year was our seventh year of the event and saw us break the £1 million mark raised over the years.

“For women aged 16 and over who have been inspired by this year’s event and want to get involved in 2015, there’s a discounted early-bird entry fee for those registering before the end of the year. Entry includes a fundraising pack, an exclusive t-shirt, torch and medal as well as refreshments en route and breakfast on return.”

Further information about the midnight walk can be found by visiting www.nighttoremember.org.uk. More information about the work of St Barnabas House can be seen at www.stbh.org.uk.

Report and picture contributed by PMW Communications.