Hospiscare seeks volunteers to cheer on rugby lads
Local charity Hospiscare is appealing for volunteers to help out at the 2014 Men’s Walk in exchange for a pint, pasty and day of fun.
Hundreds of men have already signed up to take part in the rugby day out taking place on March 15.
The 10k walk, sponsored by Wilkinson Grant & Co, will lead the men from the Exeter Chiefs’ home ground, Sandy Park, onto a route going through Ludwell Valley Park before heading back to the finish line.
Hospiscare is now appealing for people to sign up to volunteer on the day, offering essential support at the event from marshalling, to dishing out post-walk pasties and, vitally, cheering on the men as they take on the challenge.
Hospiscare Event Fundraiser Hannah Slater said: “This will be the third annual Men’s Walk. While Hospiscare can organise events like these, we simply cannot run the day without the help of willing volunteers.
“We can’t offer volunteers money for their time, but what we can offer is a big thank you and a day that is full of fun, laughter and of course a pint of beer from Otter Breweries, a yummy pasty from Chunks of Devon and the opportunity to watch three Six Nations rugby matches on big screens at Sandy Park.”
Friends Trish Kirkby and Anne Dalton had previously volunteered at the Starlight Walk, but after marshalling at the 2013 Men’s Walk said that they found the event to be a whole new experience.
Anne said: “Volunteering at the Men’s Walk was a new event for us. We thought it sounded exciting watching hundreds of men pass by and guiding them along the correct route.
“We have such a laugh and gain so much from volunteering at such events, and once we were settled at our station we were supplied with drinks.
“Hospiscare is always seeking keen helpers at these events. [You just need to] bring along warm clothes for all weather and a good sense of humour to jolly the walkers on their way. It’s such a worthwhile charity.”
Local solicitors Stones are once again supporting the Men’s Walk having already signed up a team of staff to help out on the day.
Stones Solicitors LLP Chief Operating Officer Adrian Richards said: “We are pleased to have worked with and supported Hospiscare for many years.
“We are long term backers of the Men’s Walk and a member of the charity’s 30 Club. Our experts also give free talks and presentations to Hospiscare users and staff.
"Hospiscare's work in providing dignity and support to its patients and families is exemplary and a real asset to the local community.”
For more information on volunteering or to register for the walk call Hannah on 01392 688062 or visit www.menswalk.co.uk
