Hundreds of walkers were all smiles as they braved torrential rain to raise vital funds for Queenscourt Hospice at the annual Star Trekk walk in Southport last night.
Over 650 people gathered at Southport Pleasureland on Friday as they were greeted by Queenie the Bee – the Queenscourt mascot – and a small army of volunteers and staff from Southport Pleasureland to ensure the event’s success.
For many people, or groups of people, evening was a very emotional event, as they were walking in memory of loved ones who had been cared for either in the hospice or at home while being cared for by Queenscourt staff. Many wore pictures of the people who had inspired them to do the walk.
Sporting bright lime green Star Trekk t-shirts, the walkers went through a warm-up with local trainer Sarah Dack McGuinness before setting off on a storm-drenched 10k route with took them along Marine Drive; onto Southport Pier; past Silcock’s Funland and Crousel; down Nevill Street; along Lord Street; up Eastbank Street and Scarisbrick New Road; past Queenscourt Hospice and onto Town Lane; down Southbank Road and down Cemetery Road towards Birkdale Village; along Weld Road; down Rotten Row and past Victoria Park, the home of Southport Flower Show; and finally back to Southport Pleasureland where they collected medals and congratulations from Queenie and the volunteers.
Along the way the walkers were cheered on by the Rock Choir outside Queenscourt Hospice and the PopVox Choir outside the Woollen Pig.
Cars were beeping their horns to cheer on the walkers while people waved from their homes.
Lots of local businesses took part by helping out, offering food and drink to trekkers or dressing up their shops,, including Stenleys in Birkdale, The Woollen Pig, The Allotment, Birkdale Card and Gift, and others.
Jenna Louise Mawdesley said: “We thought it was absolutely wonderful. Well organised and a great atmosphere to get everyone in the mood! I did it with my husband and 9 year old daughter. It was our first time but it won’t be our last!”
Southport Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis said: “It was a very successful event, given the weather conditions.
“There was great support from everyone, as you can see from the video which we posted on Stand Up For Southport.
“You never know when you might need the care of Queenscourt Hospice, we should all do all we can to support it as much as we can.”
Kelly Murray said: “We did it too, it was fantastic atmosphere, volunteers were lovely and encouraging. My 9 year old was asleep five minutes after getting into bed.”
Nige Myers said: “My wife and daughter did the walk with her friend from work and her daughter. They loved it, although they were soaked to the bone when they got in. I am a very proud husband and dad. Well done to all who took part.”
Pamela Waterworth said: “It was a great night as always apart from the rain.”
Sue Hardiker said: “Wet night but fabulous, well done to everyone involved.”
All Trekkers received a Star Trekk t-shirt and medal.
The event is a vital annual fundraiser for Queenscourt.
Every single penny really does count, and by supporting Star Trekk, one of the hospice’s key fundraising events, with participants helping #teamqueenscourt to continue providing exceptional palliative care for local people across West Lancashire, Formby and Southport, when they need it the most.
A Queenscourt Hospice spokesperson said: “Since Star Trekk began 16 years ago our wonderful Trekkers have raised over £870,000!
“Many Trekkers walk in memory of a loved one or because Queenscourt has supported them personally, while others take part for a fun night out and to raise money for their local hospice.”
For more details about Star Trekk – why not take part next year? – please visit: www.queenscourt.org.uk/startrekk
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