East Lancashire Hospice

Mini superhero to celebrate birthday on Starlight Walk

A mini superhero has chosen to spend her birthday on a charity walk with her Mum to raise hospice funds.

And for young Lyla Baldwin it will be a double celebration as she shares her 10th birthday with the Starlight Superheroes walk in aid of East Lancashire Hospice.

The youngster, who is a pupil at St Paul’s Catholic Primary in Feniscowles, says she’s looking forward to the walk as it means a later bedtime than normal and being able to wear her Wonderwoman outfit on the heroine-themed walk.

Mum Emma, 33 who lives in Feniscowles with husband Steven, Lyla and son Braydon (7) has taken part in the walk 3 times as well as volunteering at the event said Lyla was the driving force behind the pair taking part this year. She said: “When I realised the date I told Lyla I wouldn’t be able to do the walk this year as it fell on her birthday. Lyla immediately said ‘It’s ok Mum, I want to come and do it with you!’ She wanted to take part last year but she was too young and it is quite a late night. But now she’s a bit older it will still be a late night, but it’s worth it to raise money for such a wonderful cause. I think my Mum might join us too so it will be a lovely girly night raising much needed funds for the hospice. We can’t wait!”

Emma, who is head of corporate administration at the Park Lee Road hospice, lost her Dad to motor neurone disease in 2007. Seeing how her Dad was cared for inspired her to work for a care-giving organisation and she is passionate about raising funds. She said: “Losing my father to motor neurone disease was the most difficult thing I have ever gone through and ensuring others know what support networks are out there and the wonderful care the hospice can provide became a mission of mine. I feel honoured and proud to work for such a special place and my enthusiasm and passion to celebrate the work we do has been passed on to Lyla too.”

Hospice events organiser Denise Gee said: “Many of the ladies like Emma and Lyla who take part bring along family members and friends to join in the fun. With this being the walk’s 10th year we want it to be the biggest and best yet and are calling on regular entrants and those who have never taken part before to come along and have a great night. The focus of the night is to raise funds which is needed to care for our patients. Whether entrants walk or run the 10k, we want everyone to sign up and make a difference.”

This year the event includes fun extras like a bucking bronco, peep through superhero photo boards, bubble marquee and bouncy castle. There are 2 fundraising options and is open to women and girls aged 10 and over. Everyone who signs up before the end of April will be entered into a prize draw.

Registration for the walk or run on Saturday July 16 is £10 each and includes a special t shirt, water and refreshments.

Sign up online now.

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