A TOTAL of 20 walkers have been busy throughout the summer raising funds to enable them to trek part of the Great Wall of China in June next year, with walkers from four other hospices.o

A total of £2,500 is needed from each walker and St Clare will benefit from at least £50,000 that will be raised in sponsorship.

Goods collected and begged for by many of the walkers will go under the hammer tomorrow Friday (November 23) at the St Clare auction at UG Glass Social Club in London Road, Harlow, from 7pm.

Among the 'lots' are lessons to play golf or to sail, the chance to have your dog 'minded' for a weekend, or to have a measuring for a blind, made and fitted to suit.

Many great offers are up for grabs. Entry is free. Join us for some fun and be part of this exclusive fundraising event to support the walkers who are determined to raise as much as possible for the hospice.

I have to thank Roy Laight for his offer to act as auctioneer and thanks too to Roger Howlett who will be his lovely assistant.

Many of you, by now, have received our latest newsletter which includes a Light Up A Life form. These forms invite you to remember a loved one by the symbolic lighting of a light on one of several Christmas trees throughout the area.

This year we have secured a tree in The High, Harlow, at the hospice at Hastingwood, Waltham Abbey, Loughton, Dunmow and Saffron Walden.

If you do not receive a newsletter and would like to, or if you would like to join Light Up A Life, ring 01279 413590.

All those wishing to run in the London Marathon next April will have already sent in their application forms. In total a record 71,000 runners have applied.

Rejection and acceptance slips will shortly be sent out and we would very much welcome anyone who gets accepted to try to raise funds for St Clare.

A Marathon Package is available to all those who want to run for us, which includes sponsor forms, a running vest or t-shirt and tips on training.

For those who are sadly rejected, all is not lost. The hospice holds five Golden Bond places. Interested? Ring 01279 413590.

Christmas bell decorations in Ongar and Epping are being held on Saturday, December 1. We have five different badges this year. Anyone with an hour to spare to help with the collections should ring the hospice.

The St Clare trading company urgently needs a driver for the hospice van, to pick up items and deliver small items of furniture to and from our shops in Harlow, Epping, Saffron Walden, and our newly-opened one in Dunmow. Some lifting would be involved.

If you can help, and are aged over 25, ring David Harrington on 01279 639752.

It appears that October was a popular month for weddings. Just this last month two couples from Nazeing celebrated special anniversaries with friends and family.

Frances and Russell Martin and Wendy and Alan Stevens celebrated their golden and ruby anniversaries respectively.

Both couples requested that donations were sent to the hospice in lieu of presents.

Everyone here is very thankful for their combined gift which topped £1,000.

Finally, now that you have all make your Christmas cakes, I would hate to see those ovens idle.

We need batches of mince pies for our forthcoming festive events. At five of our Light Up A Life ceremonies we will be providing refreshments for guests. We also have several volunteer 'thank you' teas coming up.

We would be happy to refund the cost of ingredients. Please contact our fundraising team on 01279 413590 if you can help us, once again.

November 22, 2001 8:47