Health

Hundreds of walkers are set to turn the streets of Richmond, Teddington and Hampton Hill alight with neon fashions and flashing deely boppers on Saturday 4 September as part of the Princess Alice Hospice's 'Totally 80s Midnight Walk'.

Princess Alice Hospice is getting ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary, so has decided to go back to its 1980s roots for this fantastic event! Join hundreds of walkers on the 9.5 or 13.5 mile sponsored routes at the charity's third Richmond Midnight Walk.

The team is encouraging walkers to wear whatever they want, as long as it is from the decade some say style forgot. Pull on some leg warmers and sweat bands or come as a Care Bear, a member of the 'A' Team, kids from Grange Hill or any other famous face of the 80s!

The family walk is open to everyone aged 12 and above, all under 18 walkers must be accompanied by an adult. Entry is only £12 and this includes a 80s deely bopper, goody bag, refreshments and a free massage and swim after the walk, so be sure to bring a towel and your costume.

The Hospice is delighted to be working with event partner 'Pools in the Park' Richmond for the third time, the team are incredibly supportive and the warm up and start and end of the race will take place at this wonderful venue.

Emma O'Hara, Community and Event Fundraiser said

'Everyone at the Hospice was very happy with the success of our previous Midnight Walk in the Richmond area. Last year participants generated in excess of £60,000 and in 2008 they hit a brilliant £50,000. So come and be a part of this great fitness and fun challenge.'

If you would like further information about or want to sign up online for this great event, please visit www.pah-midnightwalk.com , contact 01372 461869 or events@pah.org.uk

Nominations are now open for the Elmbridge Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Four hundred and 50 children put on their running shoes on Sunday (July 4) to take part in the second Little Legs for Life race.

This Sunday (16 May), at 11:00am more than a thousand walkers are set to trundle down the towpath at the annual event organised by community supporter Margaret Godwin and the Thames Ditton and Walton and Weybridge Friends of Princess Alice Hospice committees to raise funds for the Hospice.

Each year participants on the walk get a commemorative mug, this year the mug and event sponsors are Elmbridge Housing Trust, part of the Paragon Community Housing Group Ltd. Quite a few of the walkers use their mugs for a well-deserved cuppa at the end of the walk.

Walkers can also enjoy some tasty bacon rolls courtesy of a dedicated band of volunteers. Members of the Ellis, Bird, While, and Hills families have been supporting the event through the management of the refreshment tent since 1995.

The events success owes a lot to the various branches of the family, the first towpath trundle got off to a flying start in 1993 when they entered a team of 110 members. The team increased in 1994 to 132 and saw a slight fall to 116 in 1995 when some members of the team took over the refreshment tent duties. Since then the family have continued to act as catering team and walker team, since the first walk they have won the biggest team trophy 12 times; and been the runner ups 6 times. The family members first got involved in the event after their loved one Janet While received care and support from the Hospice.

Last year almost 1000 walkers took part and raised in excess of £14,5000, Margaret is hoping for some proper spring weather and she wants even more people to take part in this great event. The walk is flat and pushchair friendly, and with refreshments available at Sadlers Ride and The Weir pub, you can really make a day of it.

Margaret Godwin said

"It is great to have so many walkers all raising vital funds for the Hospice; just as important are the volunteers who support the event. Betty Hills and all the members of her family show great enthusiasm and commitment to the event, this is just wonderful and I am very grateful for everything they do to make the Towpath Trundle a great day of fun for the whole family. I would also like to thank Elmbridge Council and the Thames Ditton and Walton and Weybridge Friends Committees for their continuing support and assistance".

Why not get involved in this great event! With a 4 or 8 mile course all the family can take part, there is even an choice as to where you set off, the walk starts at Sadlers Ride, Molesey or Walton Bridge.

Entry is £6 for Adults, £4 for under 16s and over 60s, family entry is £16 with free entry for the under 5s.

Participants can register on the day of the event, for information please contact 01372 461869, or email events @pah.org.uk

On Sunday 16 May, at 11:00am more than a thousand walkers are set to trundle down the towpath at the annual event organised by community supporter Margaret Godwin and the Thames Ditton and Walton and Weybridge Friends of Princess Alice Hospice committees to raise funds for the Hospice.

Leading the 18th annual Towpath Trundle, will be Ron Higginson, 86, from Stoneleigh. Ron has completed the 8-mile course every year since the event began in 1993; first taking part to remember his wife and to say thank you to the Hospice for the care and support the team provided to her.

Over the years, Ron has helped to promote the event and Ron has encouraged many others to take part; one year remembered particularly well was when he brought along twelve very glamorous girls from the Chelsea Building Society. Last year he went one better and helped to promote the event with an interview with Joe Talbot on BBC Southern Counties radio.

A young boy who has been out of school for a year and a half is going back to school next week.

Tommy Kelly, 13, was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, which affects the digestive system, a year and a half ago, meaning he had to be taken out of Rydens School, in Hersham Road, and forced to stay at home for eight months.