On Saturday evening 8^th July over 30 Brethren gathered at the Reena Indian restaurant for the traditional Pre-Hospice marshalling meal, before meeting at the Hospice itself to register themselves and receive their marshalling post and high vis jackets. The numbers were swelled by families of Brethren who came along to help secure the route for the walkers. The Masonic trailer was the nerve centre of operations and thanks go to the Brethren who collected, installed and removed it after the event clear up.
This year there were around 130 walkers, made up of women, children and for the first time the menfolk. They were entertained during the registration process by the Hyndburn Singers Choir whose dulcet tones cut beautifully through the balmy summer evening.
Once the Brethren were in place and had checked in, the 4 mile walk commenced at 9.00pm. The walkers began to arrive back just after an hour after the start, and all were treat to the usual bacon and sausage sandwiches with lashings of tea and coffee, (this time served from within the Hospice itself) this included the Brethren who also had a chance to tuck in.
Whilst the numbers taking part were lower than in previous years, they still managed to raise approximately £12,000 for the Hospice, which is a great achievement.
This is always a popular volunteering opportunity, and thanks go to all the Brethren and families who helped on the night, and to those who were part of the planning process with the Hospice and of course the District Trailer Team for getting the kit there and back safely.

As the number of walkers have been decreasing over the last few years, this will be the final late night walk for the foreseeable future. We have been involved since 2009 with Harry Grayson, then being pushed by the inimitable Denise Gee into taking over responsibility for all of the marshalling organisation since 2011.
Over that period the Hospice has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds and we feel extremely proud to have played a part in this, working with the Hospice fundraising team, Police, Hospice volunteers and our own volunteers, all coming together to support our local Hospice movement.
We’ve seen tears, laughter, sprained ankles, late nights and enjoyed numerous pre-event Curries over the years. As now, as new events come along, not least the successful bubble rush event held this year, we look forward to continuing our partnership with Sharon, Leanne and the rest of the amazing Hospice fundraising team.
Images and report: East Ribble District Team