BRIDGE DENTAL CARE IN MANCHESTER MIDNIGHT WALK FOR ST ANN’S

* See enclosed picture. Caption reads: Lisa Brett (foreground) with fellow walkers from Bridge Dental Care. From left, Anita Aggarwal, Adrian Moss, Sarah Ford, Catherine Snelling and Megan Tinning.

Lisa Brett’s late mum only spent a few hours as a patient at St Ann’s Hospice but that brief stay left a lasting impression and, such was the care and compassion shown to retired machinist Valerie Cleary, of Marple and her family, that her daughter wants to give something back by taking part in the ‘Manchester Midnight Walk’.

Pictured Left: Lisa Brett (foreground) with fellow walkers from Bridge Dental Care. From left, Anita Aggarwal, Adrian Moss, Sarah Ford, Catherine Snelling and Megan Tinning.

Lisa, a dental practice manager, will be joined by colleagues from Bridge Dental Care, Marple Bridge, in the popular 10k walk through the city centre on Friday, June 20.

Valerie died of breast cancer three years ago, aged 64, just six months after she was diagnosed.

Lisa said:

“My mum’s health deteriorated quickly and although she was only at St Ann’s Hospice for a few hours she was relieved to be there and we all felt she was in the right place. It was so quiet, peaceful and lovely and they treated us all with dignity.

“The amount of support the hospice offered me afterwards in terms of counselling and therapy was amazing and the charity will always be close to my heart.  About eight of us from the dental practice are doing the Manchester Midnight Walk and my colleagues have been so helpful making life more normal.”

The 10k walk, sponsored by Betfred, starts from Manchester Central, which opens at 9 pm for entertainment, and takes in famous city centre landmarks.

The walk has raised more than £1.5m for St Ann’s Hospice since it started seven years ago and it is expected that more than 2,000 walkers will again take part this year.

Each year St Ann’s Hospice provides free care for 3,000 patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families and carers.

Registration costs £18, reduced to £15 for past walkers, with a fee of £10 for walkers aged 11 to 17.

To register go to www.mmwalk.org.uk or call the St Ann’s fundraising team on 0161 498 3631.