Hospice raises record amount in Enchanted Walk

St Mary 's Hospice have raised a record breaking £50,000 for local hospice care in their recent Enchanted 10k Walk.

The Selly Oak-based charity were finally able to hold their annual 10k walk through Bournville and Selly Park on Saturday 11 September after Covid-19 saw the event postponed for 2 years.

Over 800 people gathered at Rowheath Pavilion on Saturday to remember loves ones before enjoying a 10k walk through neighbouring leafy parks where a fire breather, acrobats, a juggler and magician joined them along the route.

At the 7k point, participants were invited to light a candle and leave a message at the hospice in memory of family members and friends before heading on to the finish line to collect their medals and sparklers as the sun was setting.

Lucy Watkins, income generation director at Birmingham St Mary 's and John Taylor Hospices said of the event “We 're absolutely thrilled with the amount raised las weekend by our incredible supporters.. £50,000 is a huge amount and will go such a long way in providing care and support to more people living with a life-limiting illness, and their loved ones.

“We 're so grateful to everyone that attended the event on Saturday. Due to the pandemic, we 've had to move the date several times and so to still have our supporters stick by us and change their plans means the world to us.

“We 'd also like to thank all of the volunteers who helped make the event a huge success! Without our registration desks or route marshals, we couldn 't have done it, and also to Rowhealth Pavilion for hosting us, to those who provided equipment and entertainment, raffle prizes and any other kind of support on the day, thank you. ”

The success of the Enchanted 10k Walk follows another record-breaking fundraising event organised by the hospice earlier this year. The Ride the Reservoir cycle sportive also raised a fantastic £50,000 after it 's postponement due to the pandemic.

The funds raised will go directly towards providing care and support to local people living with life limiting illness and their families both at the hospice and in the community.