MORE than 400 women ensured a charitable walk was a big success for a fundraising appeal.
Fundraisers, including members of staff from the NHS Foundation Trust, raised almost £35,000 by walking the new 10-mile route around Chester, with the majority completing the walk at about 1am after a 10pm start.
The Heart 103.4 radio girls were present with live music and banter.
Mars bars were given to walkers as they went on their way, led by Chester’s Roman soldiers who escorted them for the first leg of the walk.
Women were dressed in colourful outfits and complementary bunny ears.
When they finished, Roman soldiers presented them with a medal, before they were rewarded with a bacon roll and a hot cup of tea.
Alison Bate, who works within the facilities directorate at the Countess, was joined on the walk by her daughter, Candice.
She said: “I really enjoyed the walk this year, it was good fun and the new route made a difference.
“It was great to get 10 miles worth of healthy exercise while raising money for a good cause, but I couldn’t have done it without that Mars bar at the start.”
Money raised this year will go toward Relative Comfort – the new Critical Care Appeal which provides accommodation for relatives of patients on the Critical Care Unit.
Events fundraiser Kathy Kenney said: “This event has raised nearly £300,000 over the last four years and it was great to witness the ladies’ commitment to the event.”
To contribute to the appeal or get involved with fundraising events at the Countess of Chester, visit www.coch.nhs.uk, phone the fundraising team on 01244 366672, or email katherine.kenney@ coch.nhs.uk.
