Dave’s story

Dave volunteers at our Manchester Midnight Walk as a way of saying thank you for caring for his Dad

Every year Dave volunteers his services at the Manchester Midnight Walk driving the hospice van to collect the route markers which signpost the way for the 2,000 walkers taking part. It’s his way of saying thank you to St Ann’s for caring for his father Tony (58), from Heaton Moor.

Tony, a teacher at Barlow Hall Primary School, Chorlton, was a patient at the Heald Green hospice and died of pancreatic cancer in 2005 shortly before he was due to retire.

The Midnight Walk is always great fun and I did have a long wait one year when a guy on crutches was determined to finish. It was my birthday when my dad was in the hospice and staff put on a little party for me. It’s such a wonderful place and I still feel I owe them something so do what I can to make sure other families get to experience everything the hospice can offer. I work at a charity as well and know how much they need to raise money and rely on volunteers, so I know how much St Ann’s needs sponsorship and entries for the Midnight Walk so I’m glad to do what I can to help.

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