Hospice Fundraising Duo Bring Back Much Loved Event, With A New Twist For 2024!
Saint Micheal’s Hospice relaunches its much-loved fundraising event, The Sunrise Walk with a new name and an added twist!
Rebecca Tomlinson, Saint Micheal’s Head of Fundraising with Sandra Gilbert, Community and Events Fundraising Volunteer
Renamed The Ripon Sunrise Trail, the event is the brainchild of Saint Michael’s Head of Fundraising, Rebecca Tomlinson and a favourite of Events and Community Fundraising Volunteer, Sandra Gilbert. The pair first launched the walk back in 2010 and have reunited this year to revamp a classic event for the community of Ripon and surrounding areas.
Taking place on Sunday 13 October, The Ripon Sunrise Trail is a 6-mile route from Sawley to Ripon Cathedral via Studley Royal Deer Park. Originally a sponsored walk, a new element has been added where supporters can choose how they take-on the route, whether that be running, jogging or walking.
Rebecca, who kick-started her career as a community fundraiser with Saint Michael’s in 2010 mapped the route in her very first weeks of joining the charity. After several years away, Rebecca rejoined the Hospice in 2019 as Head of Fundraising.
Talking about the event, Rebecca said;
‘I still remember taking the community bus to Ripon to map the route, it was before GPS technology, so it was all done by hand. The route was chosen for its beauty and tranquility. The view of Ripon Cathedral from Studley Royal Deer Park, especially at sunrise is breathtaking and I knew it would be the perfect event for our Ripon supporters.’
Rebecca first delivered the event and was later supported by volunteer, Sandra, who this year has been shortlisted as a finalist in the upcoming BBC Radio York Make a Difference Awards for her years’ of voluntary fundraising with Saint Michael’s.
During Rebecca’s time away from the organisation, Sandra continued to support with the event with help from local fundraising groups up until 2019 which was the last year events ran for the charity pre-pandemic.
Sandra said; ‘I’m thrilled that after a five-year gap in delivering events, that this year we have re-launched all the old favourites! Teaming up with Rebecca all these years later is total déjà vu, walking the route during planning with her brought back so many fond memories.’
Rebecca added: ‘Like many others, my passion for hospice care stems from my own experience, as my mum received this vital support when I was young. Combined with my love for running, it only seemed fitting to add this new element to the event in the hope that more people will participate and support Saint Michael's.
‘The event Is perfect for those who want to join an early morning run in beautiful surroundings, whilst also offering an opportunity to reflect for people who wish to walk in memory of a loved one.’
This event will raise vital funds for Saint Michael’s Hospice, whose services include caring for people living with terminal illness in their own homes, and at their Hornbeam Park-based Crimple House Hospice. Specialist bereavement and emotional support service Just ‘B’ is part of their family of services, supporting children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire.
The walk starts at 6.30am, with an optional coach transfer from Ripon at 6.00am. Saint Michael’s Hospice kindly thank their event sponsor Yorkshire Accountants Ripon for their on-going support and for sponsoring the event.
Registrations are now open for The Ripon Sunrise Trail and for a limited time only, take advantage of a 50% discount using the code ‘EARLYBIRD’ at check out. Sign up at: Saint Michael's Hospice (saintmichaelshospice.org)
