Rallying call goes out for more to join rebranded Bridgnorth Lions Walk
A rallying call was today issued for walkers to join a major annual fundraising event in Bridgnorth.
More than 200 people have signed up for this year's newly rebranded Bridgnorth Lions Walk, with the president Peter Parker saying that he is hoping for more than 600 walkers on the day.
He said he was confidently expecting the numbers to rise in coming weeks.
Mr Parker added: "We confidently expect well over 600 seniors and 200 juniors to sign up for this event.
"We very much encourage teams to enter and already we know of two very large teams supporting Rupert's Revenge and Lingen Davies."
Rupert's Revenge is a campaign in support of a poorly Bridgnorth youngster Rupert Beckett who is battling a rare cancer.
Mr Parker said the campaign expects to enrol more than 90 walkers to support his cause and the team supporting Lingen Davies cancer appeal is expected to be well over 40 walkers.
He added: "In recognition of their achievement, every walker who completes the course will receive a medal cast especially for this event.
"We actively encourage fancy dress, team entries and individuals all of whom raise sponsorship money for the charity of their choice.
"The £15 entry fee for senior – juniors are free – goes towards the costs of putting on the event and any profit will go into Bridgnorth Lions charity account of which over 80 per cent is spent on local charitable needs.
"We are also receiving huge support from local businesses and individuals who are sponsoring various aspects of the Bridgnorth Lions Walk.
"We have sponsors for walkers numbers, the start and finish, the water stations, medals and concessions – all are contributing towards making this event a huge success."
After 50 years, the Bridgnorth Walk was taken over by the Bridgnorth Lions earlier this year, which has a 40-year history of fundraising.
A number of the walk's committee members retired and the Lions Club stepped up to take on the challenge.
Since the first walk in 1967, the Bridgnorth Walk has raised more than £2 million for hundreds of charities, including local schools, sports clubs and community support groups. In recent times it has raised about £100,000 each year.
Hundreds took part in the 50th anniversary walk in May last year tackling a challenging 22-mile route from Bridgnorth to Brown Clee summit, the highest point in Shropshire, and back. Many wore fancy dress.
For information visit bridgnorthwalk.org
