Sunrise Success For Saint Michael’s

Nearly two hundred people took part in the Sunrise Walk last Sunday, walking in memory of loved ones, to show their support for Saint Michael’s and to enjoy Ripon’s idyllic landscape.

Early estimates from fundraising pledges received from walkers indicate that the event could raise £11,000 towards helping people from Ripon and the surrounding areas who are living with terminal illness and bereavement.

Saint Michael’s chief executive Tony Collins said: “This is a fantastic amount and we now urge people to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible so that we can start using it to make a difference to the communities we serve.

“A huge thank you goes to everyone who contributes to making the Sunrise Walk such a success, including our walkers and the many volunteers involved in helping to support the event.

“We also could not do it without our fabulous sponsor Eura Audit Ripon and the supporting partners Appleton’s and the Ripon Gazette and Boroughbridge Herald.”

Participants met at Sawley Village Hall on Sunday morning to register, mingle with their follow walkers and warm-up for the event with some fun aerobics from Marilyn Broad, a local instructor.

The walkers then set off at 7am walking through beauty spots like Studley Deer Park and Studley Roger before finishing at Ripon Cathedral.

Walker Pat Hardisty, from Ripon, who was doing the walk for the second year running, said: “I did it because my father used the day therapy service at Saint Michael’s and it made such a difference to him.

“It was reassuring for him to meet other people facing similar challenges to him and he came to understand that even though he was ill he still had a lot to contribute to life.

“With the help of the Saint Michael’s team he was also able to discuss many of the things that were important to him and the support he received also helped to take the pressure off me.”

Catherine Harland, from Ripon, who also walked on Sunday, said: “I count myself as being fortunate not to have had anyone who has needed the services of Saint Michael’s.

“However it is tremendously reassuring to know that there is a local organisation out there that is providing such wonderful care and support should anyone ever need it.

“And the walk itself was brilliant. There was stunning scenery, it was fun and it was a lovely chance to catch up and chat to people.”

Saint Michael’s receives minimal government funding and therefore relies on the gifts left in people’s wills, general donations and fundraising events, such as the Sunrise Walk, to raise the £3.8million needed to maintain services.