Walk With a Difference 

When Immediate Past District Governor Lion Femi took on the mantle of District Governor, Lion Anna had to think of a suitable project which the District would embrace as a District project. Due to Lion Anna’s passion about her work this was not a difficult decision. Lion Anna came into regular contact with the Hospice at Home Service through St Giles Hospice. Discussions took place with Helen Relihan, Senior Fundraiser and the seeds of a project started to mature.

Lion Anna was keen that a specific event took place to raise the profile of the Service and to raise much needed funds. We wanted to involve the whole family, as this is something which the Hospice at Home Service encompasses, and so we embarked on the Pyjama Parade. A committee was formed to make sure that all aspects were covered and the day ran as smoothly as possible.

As the 6th June approached Lions were called upon to act as volunteers on the day, stallholders and walkers. The Lions of 105M did not let us down as a multitude of face painters, cake makers and catering vans arrived early on the Sunday morning.

At 11.00 a.m. 35 walkers started their walk / amble around the park. We’re not quite sure what the public in Cannon Hill Park made of the ‘Lions’ in their various night attire, but one thing is for sure we’re sure they won’t forget us! As Lion Gregory Hession commented “ from a PR exercise alone, our Lion’s message did not go unnoticed with the members of the public in the park on the day, and also the thousands of listeners to the radio shows where this event was repeatedly announced”.

Inspite of walkers numbers on the day being low all those who took part commented what a great day it had been and in the process we raised £2,761.42. Lion Anna would like to thank Lions Ken Barker, Phil White, Peter Rotherham, Angela Lawton, Gregory Hession, Dr Brian Murray, Trevor Jones and Jackie McGuirk for all their help in making this idea a reality and most importantly to all the Lions in the District who played their part in volunteering, supporting or walking. A total of £9,775.43 was presented to the Hospice at Home Service at Autumn Forum. http://www.hospiceathome.org.uk/