Firefighters hot on charity trail

UK (SANEPR.com) May 14, 2009 -- The Midnight Wish Walk takes place on Friday June 5 and local firefighters are among those pledging support.

Hundreds of women took to Bournemouth prom in pink rabbit ears last year and raised more than £25,000 for Bournemouth-based Round Table Children’s Wish, a charity granting wishes for children aged three to 17 with life-threatening illnesses.

Entries are now being taken for this year’s women-only event. The 10km walk from Bournemouth to Southbourne and back will feature a range of entertainment and refreshments and will help fund wishes for local children.

Firefighters at Springbourne Fire Station have agreed to help start the walk, providing they aren’t called on an emergency.

Organiser Davina Nichols said: “The rabbit ears proved so popular last year that we’ll be giving them away when people sign-up for the walk. Last year there was such a fabulous atmosphere and we hope to do even better this year.

“We’ve made the event later in the year to make it a little warmer for those women who really get into the spirit of things by taking part in their pyjamas. We’re incredibly grateful to the Bournemouth Daily Echo for supporting us again. Of course our walkers will be happy to see the firefighters and I hope it will be a good opportunity for them to promote fire safety messages.”

Local wishes funded by last year’s walk included a meeting with Simon Cowell, trips to Disneyland Paris, a dolphin swim, a holiday to meet Santa in Lapland, the gift of a laptop and a visit from a much-loved friend flown in from Australia.

Davina added: “I know it’s a difficult year but our wishes still go on – there are still so many poorly little ones receiving hospital treatment and it would be wonderful to make their wishes come true.”

Admission for the event costs £15 and runners are asked to raise a minimum of £50. To find out more or to book your place email info@rtcw.org or call 01202 514515.