The Belles of St Mary's started with a few friends going for a walk on Northchurch Common, about 4 years ago.  We thought it would be good to do a longer walk together, and raise some money for charity at the same time.  That year, more than 20 of us did a 19-mile walk in aid of the Hospice of St Francis and Breast Cancer Care.  This year some of the original Belles are getting together with some new friends - all ladies associated in one way or another with St Mary's Church and School in Northchurch - and we are looking forward to our midnight walk!

We have lots of different reasons for doing this walk - for fitness, fun and friendship (when else can you get a chance to gossip for 4 hours without being interrupted by your children?) - but also because many of us know from personal experience or from friends and neighbours what an important part the Hospice plays in our community.   Here's a personal story from one of the Belles:

"When my father was diagnosed with cancer last summer, he and my mother
gained a great deal of support and care from staff at the Hospice of St
Francis.  You often hear that the Hospice is a great source of support
and care, but I don't believe you fully appreciate what that means
until you come to rely on it yourself.  The care they offer is not only
for the patients, but extends to their families as well.   My Mum and
other carers like her shoulder a great deal of the pain and emotion,
and I know that she felt hugely supported by the Hospice staff and
their Carers Support Group.  My Dad died just before Christmas, and  we
miss him terribly, but I will be walking in June to support the
continued work of the Hospice and thinking of him as I do."

So, please dig deep and help us to fund the continuing work of our local Hospice.  Last year's walk raised enough funds for the Hospice to open a tenth bed in its brand new facilities - let's help to keep it going and to support new developments.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Hospice Of St Francis (Berkhamsted) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor us now!

Many thanks for your support.