'Rugby WAGS' Walk For Marie Curie

Local 'rugby wives' Veronica Cunningham and Jenny Humphries (pictured) have donned their walking shoes to urge people across NI to give 'Marie Curie Walk Ten' a try.

Both wives of NI rugby stars Bryn Cunningham and Ian Humphries have formed a pack with other rugby wags Anna Trimble wife of Andrew Trimble and Lyn Brown partner of Mark McCrea, to take part in the summer 10K walk and support Marie Curie Nurses who provide care to terminally ill patients in their own homes and charity hospices.

Walk Ten, supported by HomeServe, will take place in the grounds of Stormont Estate on Friday 3rd September from 6pm-10pm and is one of 12 twilight walks to happen throughout the UK this summer.

Within Northern Ireland Marie Curie is aiming to recruit some 500 people to help paint Stormont's Estate yellow and raise thousands of pounds.

After the walk finishes there will be time to settle down with a picnic and enjoy the entertainment, before gathering at 10pm to celebrate the fact that Marie Curie Nurses all around the UK are beginning their overnight shifts in patient's homes.

Encouraging as many walkers to sign up as possible Veronica said: "When we heard about Walk Ten we felt compelled to support the charity as we all know someone who has been affected by cancer.

"10K may seem daunting to some people but the walk is about taking time out with friends and family to enjoy a summer evening whilst raising vital funds for Marie Curie."

Hospice Manager for the Marie Curie Hospice, Belfast, Sue Curry added: "Last year, Marie Curie Nurses in Northern Ireland cared for 1,150 patients in the community, the hospice cared for 250 patients and 2,270 day care appointments were provided for patients with terminal cancer and other illnesses totally free.

"By taking part in Walk Ten at Stormont Estate you can help us continue to provide vital services for our patients. Just £20 will pay for one hour of care from a Marie Curie Nurse.”

Registration for Walk Ten costs £10 (children go free): Marie Curie is asking people to aim to raise £100, which will provide five hours of Marie Curie Nursing Care in a patient’s home. There will also be entertainment throughout the evening featuring local artists and a DJ.

Walk Ten is supported by HomeServe, the national home emergencies and repairs expert. For more information go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/walkten

(GK/BMcC)