Best foot forward for hospice

Jun 5 2008 by Alastair McNeill

PUPILS from across Lanarkshire primary schools yesterday (Wednesday) took part in an annual fundraiser for St Andrew’s Hospice.

The P7 pupils, accompanied by teachers, were taking part in the ‘Wear Yellow Walk’ at Strathclyde Park.

Around 15 schools from the Hamilton area took part in the 6K event.

During the walk the 3700 Lanarkshire pupils wore yellow caps to represent the sunflower emblem of the hospice movement.

The 2007 event raised £33,500, but the organisers were aiming to exceed that figure this year.

St Andrew’s Hospice fundraising director Sam Lavery said: “It costs £40,000 per week to maintain a hospice’s services.

“We just hope that this year’s event will reach that weekly figure.”

During the day the children were given an air rescue display on Strathclyde Loch involving an RAF Sea King helicopter.

Fire and Rescue and police were also there to distribute water and hats to the children.

Mr Lavery added: “This is the eighth Wear Yellow Walk and I think this is the best one we have had.

“The children were marvellous. The hospice is so grateful to schools, the children, and their parents for the support they give each year to patient care.”