South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue are to assist walkers during a midnight charity walk around Rotherham.

The five and ten-mile walks have been organised by Rotherham Hospice who needs to raise vital funds.

Around 1,000 people are expected to take part in the midnight walks on the 21 June 2008, setting off from Millmoor.

Five Station Managers from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue will be manning two fire appliances to lead the walks, along with two mini buses to be at strategic points throughout the walks to assist participants if required.

Around 14 Police and support staff from South Yorkshire Police will be assisting with the marshalling of the participants, with Chief Superintendent Matt Jukes and PC Debbie Straker leading the walks.

Station Manager Andy Hoyland from Maltby Fire Station said:  “This is an excellent opportunity for us to show our support for the charity by helping them raise funds, whilst also enabling us to engage with the local community.”

Gill Shaw Chief Officer at the Rotherham Hospice said:  “The input and help given by the emergency services has really helped us to ensure that the walks will be a fabulous experience for everyone taking part.  On behalf of the staff, patients and their families we would like to say a huge thank you for all their hard work”.

Chief Superintendent Matt Jukes, District Commander for Rotherham from South Yorkshire Police, said:  "Most of us, sadly, have personal stories of how the hospice movement has touched our lives.  I will be walking for a friend who should have been watching his little girl grow up alongside my eldest. Dignity and support at the end of life and care before that are so important, we should all remember."

For further information please contact Andy Hoyland on 07867 634397 or Corporate Communications on 0114 253 2351.

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