Published: Wednesday, 29th October, 2008 12:30
Hundreds sign up to join walk on new bridge
By Faye Thomson
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Strathcarron fundraisers will get the chance to cross the bridge three days before the official opening.
Pic by: jan van der Merwe
MORE than 300 people are queuing up to be among the first to walk over the new Clackmannanshire Bridge to raise money for Strathcarron Hospice in two weeks time.
And organisers reckon that numbers will swell to 500 for walk day on Sunday 16 November, three days ahead of the official opening on Wednesday 19 November.
The response to join the sponsored walk across the bridge and back – a total of 2.4km – has been overwhelming, said Angela Gillies, the hospice’s fundraising manager.
She told the Advertiser, “People from all over the UK, and from in and around Clackmannanshire, have already registered for the walk.
“Provost Derek Stewart is expected to be there along with bridge builder Morgan Vinci’s project director Frank Platt.
“We will be welcoming people from all walks of life from youngsters to octogenarian.
“There’s even a Brownie pack coming along with their leaders.”
Children will be allowed to make the crossing free provided they are accompanied by an adult who has registered to raise sponsorship, but organisers must know in advance if parents and group leaders are bring their children along.
Final arrangements are now in place for the charity venture with participants paying £10 to register for the walk and agreeing to raise a minimum of £30 sponsorship each for Strathcarron.
In return, after completing the crossing any time between 10am and 3pm, each walker will receive a commemorative t-shirt (sizes requested when registering) and a commemorative medal, both specially commissioned for the event.
On arrival at the Kincardine side of the Clackmannanshire Bridge, walkers will be able to park their cars on the approach road from Gartarry roundabout.
“Morgan Vinci is providing stewards to direct the parking, and walkers will be able to proceed along the approach road, check in at the start and cross the bridge, and back, at their leisure,” said Angela.
The proceeds of the charity venture will help fund Strathcarron Hospice’s newly introduced children’s bereavement service which helps young people deal with the death of a loved one.
The service offers specialised bereavement support to any children in the hospice’s catchment area struggling to come to terms with the loss of a family member. Through play and activities the youngsters are encouraged to explore and cope with their feelings.
There’s still time to sign up for the walk – the closing date is Wednesday 12 November. Telephone the hospice’s fundraising department on 01324 826222 for details or to register.
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