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Night trekkers hit new heights

26/ 7/2008

MIDNIGHT walkers had two good reasons to have a spring in their step as they set off from Middleton to Rochdale and back ... to have a fun night and beat last year’s £23,000 raised for Springhill Hospice.

And the 265 participants achieved on both counts – they have already been pledged £30,000.

Organiser Ian Jenkins, fund-raising manager of Springhill Hospice, said: "Last year the walkers had £20,000 pledged, this year it was £30,000, so we’re very optimistic about the final total."

He added: "The atmosphere was superb. They started off with warm-up exercises to music and there was lots of laughing and joking."

The 13-mile circular route started and ended in Middleton with the halfway point at Springfield Park.

Community fund-raisier Dean Connaughton said: "They left at the stroke of midnight and the first back was two hours and 45 minutes later.

"The last returned before 5am but most of them stayed around for an hour or so afterwards, chatting and having their bowls of soup. Each was also awarded a medal."

Throughout the route there were marshals on foot and others on bikes, ensuring the women’s safety.

Mr Jenkins thanked everyone who contributed towards the evening’s success, particularly Jonathan Swire estate agents for sponsorship, UK Fitness Academy and all the volunteers. He added: "A lot of them said they would do it again next year."