Go the extra mile for charity

The annual Hospice Walk campaign encourages people from across Northern Ireland to sign up to a walk in their local area and raise much needed funds to support the care of local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

With 10 different Hospice Walks across the country, including two brand new walks for 2016, there is something for everyone. The 8 mile Lagan Tow Path Walk starts at the Lagan Valley Civic Centre in Lisburn and is one of the most popular, seeing hundreds of people pounding the meandering river walk to raise funds towards hospice services.

One of the most significant fundraising events in the calendar, this year’s Hospice Walk campaign aims to raise £100,000 to support those in need of hospice care. And this year, the appeal is extra special, as the Hospice prepares to open its new £13 million Adult Hospice in Belfast in Spring.

Funds raised from this year’s campaign will help support hospice care in the community. Northern Ireland Hospice currently cares for over 90% of its patients in their own homes across the country.

Every pound raised will make a difference says Joanna Pawson, Fundraising Manager at Northern Ireland Hospice: “Every donation really counts; for example sponsorship money of just £30 will pay for one hour of specialist nursing care for a patient at home. £50 could help towards the cost of a bed quilt for a patient in the new Hospice. I’m appealing for as many people as possible to come and walk, have some fun with friends, family or work colleagues and raise money for Northern Ireland Hospice.”

This year’s Lagan Tow Path Walk is also kindly sponsored by Creightons of Finaghy. Stepping out to add his support for the walk, Niall Creighton, Owner of Creightons said: “It has become a tradition for Creightons staff, families and customers to join the Lagan Tow Path Hospice Walk and raise some money for this great cause.”

To register for your local 2016 Hospice Walk, go to nihospice.org or call 028 9077 7123.