NEWS: Moonlight Walk in Wirral

09/06/2008

Moonlight magic happened on Saturday 31^st May, when close to 400 people walked across Wirral at midnight to raise money for breast cancer charities.

Setting off from West Kirby promenade, 397 women, men and even a couple of dogs walked 10 miles to New Brighton in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  People travelled from as far as North Wales, and even South Africa, wearing their bras, tutus and headdresses to add a bit of fun to the serious business of fundraising.  

Wirral MP Ester McVey started the race at the stroke of midnight, leading the buoyant crowd along the coastal walks and streets of North Wirral, and arrived a couple of hours later at an army tent on New Brighton promenade for a well-earned cup of tea and freshly prepared bacon buttie. There was such a great atmosphere, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and in fact it was the next best thing to a girl's night out! Ester said.

This is the first event of this kind on the Wirral, organised by Soroptimists of Birkenhead, ably assisted by 107 Field Squadron based at Harrowby Road in Birkenhead.  Staff Sergeant Burns led his troops through the night to deliver tea and comfort to the walkers as they arrived back.

Christine Loughran President of Birkenhead Soroptimists said, We have been amazed by the enthusiasm of the walkers and many have told us that they want to do this again next year!  I think the attraction is that this is a tough challenge but anyone can have a go.  Everyone has really been behind supporting this charity; some of the walkers told us that people were even stopping them in the street and donating money.  I think it could be even bigger next year.

Breakthrough is the UK's leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research, campaigning and education. http://www.breakthrough.org.uk/

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization for women in management and professions, working through service projects to advance human rights and the status of women.

The event was photographed by Wallasey Amateur Photographic Society as part of their Wirral Photo 08 project and the results can be seen on their website http://www.wallaseyaps.org/

If you would like to make a donation please make cheques payable to BIRKENHEAD SOROPTIMISTS CHARITY ACCOUNT.