1200 signed up for Land O' Burns Midnight Walk

Apr 17 2009

IT’S gearing up to be the night out of the year in Ayrshire.

With well over 1200 people already signed up to take part, the Land o’ Burns Midnight Walk looks set to be a major success.

People of all ages from across Ayrshire and beyond have already committed to take part in the 13-mile course on Sunday, May 16.

And this week some of those spoke to the Post in a bid to encourage others to join them on the big walk.

Young Kyran Lee, 13, has been inspired to take part because his Uncle John is currently being treated at the hospice.

The Drongan lad’s mum Jillian also works in the charity’s fundraising department.

He said: “I am fundraising because my mum has told me about all of the good work that is done there.

“My Uncle John is currently being treated at the hospice and I would like to help him and all of the other people.”

And it’s a real team effort to raise as much cash as possible for staff at the Ayr branch of B&Q.

Mary McGarva revealed how she’s managed to convince 18 of her colleagues to join her on the half marathon walk.

She said: “My mother-in-law was in the hospice about 10 years ago and I saw up close the fantastic work they do. It’s an amazing place.

“I didn’t have to try too hard to rope my colleagues into joining me. It’s such a good cause that they jumped at the chance, even though two or three of them are working the next day.”

It’s a family affair for Sandy Martin and her two daughters Debbie and Nicola.

Sandy’s husband Nigel is the hospice chairman, so she knows only too well how vital community support is for events like this.

She explained: “Nigel completed a table tennis marathon for the hospice a couple of years ago and the girls though this would be the perfect way to keep up with his efforts.”

And Ayrshire GP Dr Miller says his first hand experience of patient care at the hospice has motivated him to pull on his walking shoes.

He explained: “As a local GP I have seen the work of the hospice since it first opened.

“I know how valuable the care of the hospice is for my patients and their families.

“The midnight walk is an opportunity for me, and others in the community, to mark our appreciation and contribute in a small way to the future of the hospice at a time when many long term corporate supporters are less able to help.”

The Midnight Walk is one of several events being launched this year to mark the hospice’s 21st anniversary.

The course starts at Ayr Racecourse at midnight and will wind its way around Ayr out to Alloway before returning to Ayr.

The registration fee is £20 and you’ll receive a T-shirt, drink, snack and a bacon roll on the night.

No one is allowed to jog or run the course, so even if you’re not at peak fitness you can still take part.

Be sure to register as soon as possible though, because you can’t do it on the night.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

To find out more email Justine@ayrshirehospice.org or call 01292 288488.