Putting the 'fun' back in fundraising is a group of women introduced to each other by Isabel Hospice.

They have formed a new special events committee in aid of the charity.

The nine new friends - Nash Davies, Jane Francis, Keeley Grice, George Hofer, Carol Newland, Janine Napolitano, Gillian O’Gorman, Jac Squire and Emma Wood - came together at the beginning of the year and are already planning their first event - a sponsored walk suitable for the whole family.

Taking place on Sunday, May 21, it will follow Welwyn Garden City’s 12.5-mile Centenary Circular Walk, taking in the local countryside and many of the town’s historical points of interest, such as Mill Green Museum, Brocket Hall, Lemsford Mill, Stanborough Lakes and the Digswell Viaduct.

Gillian said each member of the group is making time to focus on charitable endeavours, and all had been moved by the work of Isabel Hospice in some way.

“All of us have been touched in the last few years by the work of the Hospice and are humbled by the support the Hospice gives in the most difficult of times,” she said.

“Sadly, at this stage of our lives I have lost two of my contemporaries, both of whom were cared for by the Hospice.

"We are keen to give some time to the Hospice to allow others to benefit from the unique care it provides in the way we have experienced in the last few years.”

She added: “We all love the outdoors and have active lifestyles and expect to make our events fun and informal.

"For our first event, we hope to encourage people to come out and have fun while supporting such a brilliant local cause.”

 

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Isabel Hospice special relationship manager Cheryl Cusack said: “We are delighted to have the help and support from this team of very talented volunteers, who between them have a huge amount of fundraising experience to draw on.

"We’re excited to be supporting them with their very first event in aid of the Hospice and wish them the best of luck for what we are sure will be a fantastic day for all those taking part.”

On the day of the walk, the starting line will be at the central event hub based at Digswell Playing Field, but walkers are welcome to join the route at their nearest entry point when it sets off at 10am.

The route, predominantly on public footpaths, is suitable for sturdy prams and pushchairs, and will be fully signposted and marshalled. 

Complimentary refreshments will be available at Digswell Playing Field, which all walkers will pass through, as well as an ice cream van, barbecue and more.

Donations will be accepted for the barbecue and cake stand. There will also be a halfway refreshment stop offering drinks and snacks at Hatfield and Crusaders Cricket Club's ground. 

In addition to the main 12.5-mile walk, there will be a scavenger hunt for younger participants, with activities en route to challenge each child’s observation skills and a prize of a seed packet to collect at the end. 

Entry is £10 per person, or £20 for a family, and dogs are welcome.

All walkers are also encouraged to collect sponsorship.

Registration is now open at isabelhospice.org.uk/events/welwyn-garden-city-centenary-walk/.

For further details, email c.a.n@btinternet.com.

 

                                                                                                                                

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