Hen night without the heels for Midnight Walker Mandy

Former West Country journalist turned Methodist Minister Mandy Stevens is hoping to make headlines next month when she takes part in the Midnight Walk in aid of St Peter's Hospice - on her hen night!

 

Around ten of Mandy's pals will be donning pink T-shirts and feather boas for a triple celebration - as well as raising much needed funds for her favourite charity, soon-to-be-married Mandy is also marking her 40th birthday the day after the walk on July 7.

 

With so much for her to think about it comes as no surprise Mandy has not had time to do much in the way of training.

 

She said: "Because we all live in different places we haven't been able to organise any formal training but we will definitely encourage each other as we go around the route."

 

Mandy, from Nailsea, is a former news reporter with the Weston Mercury who changed course 13 years ago to become a full time Methodist Minister.

 

She was inspired to tackle the walk by her cousin Mike Trevelyan - who is currently cycling around all 92 clubs in the football league - also on behalf of St Peter's Hospice.

 

"Mike's dad – Edward Trevelyan - was cared for by the hospice and the family regard St Peter's as their unofficial family charity.

 

"It's not going to be as riotous as some hen nights and we certainly won't be wearing high heels around the route but we still expect it to be good fun and it will be helping other people as well."

 

Starting at 10.30pm from Bristol City Football Club at Ashton Gate the walk covers 10 miles through a well-marshalled route around the city, which takes in the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Brandon Hill and the ss Great Britain.

 

There is also a five-mile route for those who perhaps want to take it a little easier with both walks finishing at the football club.

 

Jo Gibbons, head of fundraising said: "We are delighted Mandy has chosen to combine her hen night with raising much needed funds for St Peter's Hospice.

 

"It's really important we get as many women signed up to take part as possible and the camaraderie of all those involved from walkers to marshals and organisers is absolutely fantastic and brings people back year after year."

 

Bristol's only adult hospice receives less than a quarter of the £6.5 million it needs to run its services from the NHS. Last year it cared for 2,200 patients in the region and supported over 6,000 family members, including children.

 

Registration is £12 with walkers receiving an event pack, which includes a T-shirt.

 

To register an interest please email: themidnightwalk@stpetershospice.org

 

You can support Mandy's fundraising efforts by donating at justgiving.com/mandymidnightwalk.

 

For more information about St. Peter's Hospice please visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk