The Countess of Chester Hospital is organising a sponsored Autumn Walk giving participants the opportunity to raise funds to support any area of the hospital.

Walk for Wards is part of a nationwide initiative that all NHS hospital charities are being encouraged to take part in.

The concept, originally thought up by Salisbury Hospital charity several years ago, has already seen more than 20 hospitals getting involved in, and more than £200,000 has already been raised.

The Countess Autumn Walk for Wards will take place on Sunday, October 11, at 10am, on the Countess Country Park which is at the rear of the hospital grounds.

Community events fundraiser, Angie Lopez, who is co-ordinating the walk, said; “We are delighted that Morris Homes are supporting the event which will enable us to provide every participant with a T-shirt and refreshments at the end of the walk. We hope that many patients and their families as well as members of staff from the Countess and Ellesmere Port hospitals will want to join us for what promises to be a really interesting and enjoyable walk.

“There are two choices of route – either 2k or 5K. The shorter route is wheelchair accessible. As prams and well behaved dogs are welcome too, this is an event that all the family can get involved with, and raise sponsorship to support their favourite ward and say thanks for the care and support that they and their loved ones have received from the NHS.

“All funds raised will be used to provide items that are over above what you would expect the NHS to pay for. Our charity aims to fund the ‘extras’, things that provide some additional comfort, and that will help to provide the very best experience for our patients and their families whilst in our hospital”.

There is no charge to enter but participants are asked to raise a minimum of £20 per person. For further information call Angie on 01244 366240 or you can register online at www.walkforwards.co.uk