Hikers gather at Cannock Chase for annual fundraiser
The sun was shinning again over Cannock Chase as the hikers taking part in the ninth annual Walking for Eileen fundraiser set off, another good turnout for what has become an annual event.
As in the last few years it was supported by Inspiring Healthy Lifestyle and Chasefit based at Cannock Leisure Centre. Organiser Bob Pitcher thanked Dominique and Lauren from Burntwood Community First Responders for coming along and demonstrating CPR, and Colin Ball for conducting a pre-walk warm-up session, and the invaluable assistance from Guy Etchells and Gez Hill of Inspiring Heathly Lifestyle; and Bob said a huge thank you to all those took part in the walks, and also those that sponsored. For a number of our walker's it was the first time they had covered that distance or climbed the hills on route.
Family members had travelled from North Wales and Essex to support , family support is always welcome and appreciated.
The walks started after a short speech from Dame Amanda Milling and Guy Etchells. Bob said: "We had a fantastic turnout of walkers again, enjoying great company amidst the stunning scenery of Cannock Chase."
“Walking For Eileen’ has two purposes, first to get as many people walking; walking is a great way to not only exercise - but also socialise. When you walk with others you are bound to talk, the second purpose is as a fundraiser for the local charity, MASE (Monthly Alzheimer's Support Evening).
MASE meetings are held at three venues in the Cannock/Stafford area every month. Everyone working at MASE is an unpaid volunteer, meaning every penny raised benefits those in need. MASE was a tremendous benefit to both Bob and his late wife Eileen, Bob took Eileen to MASE for 18 months until she passed away.
"Seeing how beneficial attending MASE is to so many I decided to volunteer and to assist MASE in anyway I could", said Bob.
But Bob said this year I wanted to give an opportunity to other local charities to use the event to fundraise at no cost.
Some of those taking part and fundraising were Hednesford based, Fireworks Children's Mental Health Group, and Welcome St George a Codsall based charity working with disadvantaged children in Egypt, and also St John's Church Heath Hayes
For more information about MASE, go to: themasegroup.com
Next year will be the tenth Walking for Eileen event, if you're a local charity and would like to use the event to fundraise (with no cost), or if there are any companies that would like to sponsor the tenth annual event next year, then please contact me at walkingforeileen2025@outlook.com
