Herald Express

MIDNIGHT walkers are urging their backers to hand over £30,000 in unpaid sponsorship money.

It has been more than two months since 1,700 women embarked on their 13-mile Midnight Walk at Clennon Valley in aid of Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan.

An astounding £170,000 was pledged on the night but the charities have received £140,000.

They hope that, once Gift Aid has been added, the total may well hit the £200,000 mark.

Hannah Simmons, fundraising manager for Rowcroft Hospice said: "We are so thankful to each and every person that was associated with this walk. Our combined efforts have achieved amazing results.

"We would now urge those who walked to send in their sponsorship monies, as we are keen to announce the final total as soon as we can."

Walkers from law firm Kitsons, the main event sponsor, have handed over a cheque for £1,100.

Organisers are keen to pass on their sincere thanks to the volunteers and local businesses that had contributed and supported the event.

For those who still need to send in their sponsorship forms and money, cheques can be made payable to Rowcroft Hospice (Big Midnight Walk) and sent to Big Midnight Walk c/o Rowcroft Hospice, Avenue Rd, Torquay TQ2 5LS, or they can call 01803 217641 to pay via credit or debit card.

EYE patients at Torbay Hospital will have the chance to enjoy watching TV on the big screen thanks to a £2,000 donation from a local charity.

The large plasma screen 42in satellite TV was the idea of the eye clinic staff when they were approached by the Lions Club of Torquay after one of its members was treated there.

John Smith, from the Lions Club of Torquay, said: "The ophthalmology department at Torbay Hospital is a centre of excellence and there is no question it is rightly named.

"The treatment I received here at the eye clinic was second to none.

"It seemed fitting that, as a member of the Lions, I ask the club to raise money to support the unit and patients like me."

Sister Samantha Knowlson said the staff at the eye clinic suggested the large plasma screen because patients spend a lot of time at the hospital on treatment and need entertainment and distraction. Many are unable to read because of the dilating drops required to examine and treat their condition.

She said: "The TV is ideal entertainment and a great way of taking their minds off what can be a tiring and stressful time."

Mick Cole, consultant ophthalmologist, added: "The eye clinic is very fortunate to receive superb local community support.

"The Lions Club of Torquay has come up trumps with this donation, which will benefit the thousands of patients that we see and treat here."

EYE patients at Torbay Hospital will have the chance to enjoy watching TV on the big screen thanks to a £2,000 donation from a local charity.

The large plasma screen 42in satellite TV was the idea of the eye clinic staff when they were approached by the Lions Club of Torquay after one of its members was treated there.

John Smith, from the Lions Club of Torquay, said: "The ophthalmology department at Torbay Hospital is a centre of excellence and there is no question it is rightly named.

"The treatment I received here at the eye clinic was second to none.

"It seemed fitting that, as a member of the Lions, I ask the club to raise money to support the unit and patients like me."

Sister Samantha Knowlson said the staff at the eye clinic suggested the large plasma screen because patients spend a lot of time at the hospital on treatment and need entertainment and distraction. Many are unable to read because of the dilating drops required to examine and treat their condition.

She said: "The TV is ideal entertainment and a great way of taking their minds off what can be a tiring and stressful time."

Mick Cole, consultant ophthalmologist, added: "The eye clinic is very fortunate to receive superb local community support.

"The Lions Club of Torquay has come up trumps with this donation, which will benefit the thousands of patients that we see and treat here."