Hospice celebrates 20th anniversary of Easter Walk

Friday 30 March 2018

What started as a stroll to raise money for an MRI scanner back in 1998 has now raised over £217,500 for Jersey Hospice - and now the annual Good Friday fundraising walk is back for its 20th year.

Jersey Hospice Care is inviting families to join in the celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the Doreen Hennessy Good Friday Walk, with a morning stroll along the Esplanade at 09:00.

The first walk was organised by Doreen Hennessy in 1998 to raise money for an MRI scanner for the General Hospital. It was such a success that it became an annual event raising over £217,500 for Hospice.

Sacha Patel, Income Generation Manager at Jersey Hospice Care, said: "We’re delighted that the walk has been going for 20 years and it’s still so popular. We’d like to encourage as any people as possible who have taken part previously to join us to mark the occasion, as well as welcome new walkers. It’s perfect for families, as well as a lovely way to mark the start of the Easter weekend. The Doreen Hennessy Good Friday Walk has remained an important fundraiser in our calendar as it raises thousands for the charity each year,helping us to care for patients with a life limiting illness."

With the sponsorship of Whitmill, Hospice will be offering Easter Eggs to all participants under 12.

Local band, Run for Cover, a long-standing supporter of the walk will be entertaining walkers.

Frederick Deacon, Director at Whitmill Trust, added: "Whitmill Trust are delighted to once again sponsor the Doreen Hennessy Good Friday Walk in aid of Jersey Hospice Care.We wholeheartedly support the fantastic work that the Jersey Hospice Care team does and it is great to be able to help raise awareness of the charity and of course to also help raise the vital funds needed for theinvaluable services they provide for patients and their families in our community."

The Good Friday Walk starts at West Park from 09:00, with people walking up to St Brelade’s Parish Hall andback. Walkers can register beforehand on Jersey Hospice website or just turn up on themorning. There is no entry fee but Hospice ask walkers to raise a minimum of £10 in sponsorship.