Kate said, “When I was asked to support the event I didn’t hesitate. It’s a wonderful cause and I was astonished to learn that it costs £9m to keep the hospice open each year and the majority of this funding comes from voluntary contributions. Only 35% is received from government funding so it’s vitally important that St Ann’s Hospice gets continuous funding and that’s why I and so many other amazing people showed their support, taking to the streets throughout the night to raise funds. I’m delighted to have played a small part in helping the hospice.”

Kate (centre) warms up with enthusiasm!

Wendy Bray, fundraising manager for St Ann’s said: “The Manchester Midnight Walk has gone from strength to strength in its first two years, thanks to the fabulous support of thousands of people in our community.

“We have raised more than £250,000 in the first two years, making it St Ann’s biggest annual event and our numbers have increased dramatically over the three years we have been organising this event. Once the final calculations are made, we expect to be close to the magic £200,000 figure for this year alone”.

The event started at 10pm with several activities for the walkers including music by local bands, a silent auction headed by Kate Anthony on the big stage, which included celebrity signed t-shirts, autographed by Take That, Chelsea FC, Sean Wright-Phillips and Andy Cole. 

Encouraged by a squad of cheerleaders, the midnight walkers set off behind Kate (many of whom were dressed in pyjamas or fancy dress) and helped make the hospice’s biggest fundraiser their most successful yet.

Catherine Williams, director of fundraising and communications for the hospice, commented: “ We were overwhelmed with the number of participants who joined Kate on the starting line and who were all willing to give their evening to help such a worthy cause. The help and support from everyone involved in the event will mean the hospice can continue to offer a superb standard of care not only to patients, but to their families and carers as well.”

Ends

For Media Enquiries regarding Kate Anthony’s involvement with St Ann’s Hospice on this particular event, or for additional high-res pictures, please contact:

Gary Barak
Chicane
Pinewood Studios
Suite 588, East Side Complex
Pinewood Road, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0NH.
Tel:        +44 (0) 1753 650004
Email:     gary@chicanemarketing.co.uk
Website: www.chicanemarketing.co.uk

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