A popular charity event which saw thousands of women wearing flashing bunny ears walk the streets of Bury St Edmunds in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care has raised nearly a quarter of a million pounds.
The official 2018 total for the Girls Night Out walk has been announced as £226,643.
More than 2,000 walkers donned flashing bunny ears while completing either 11.2 or six miles around a moonlit Bury St Edmunds on September 8.
The money raised will help the hospice provide a range of support services in the community and specialist care on its ward and the Bury St Edmunds-based charity thanked walkers, volunteers, supporters for their efforts in making the annual event such a success.
Jenny Smith, the hospice’s events manager, said: “This was our tenth Girls Night Out and my oh my it was a good one.
“It never ceases to amaze me how much support we get from everyone, ranging from the girls who are walking in memory of a loved one, to our volunteer marshalls who always have a smile, wave, and water for the thousands that take part.”
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Brett Bayliss, investment director and head of the Bury St Edmunds branch of JM Finn, said: “This is the third year we have been able to support the hospice with Girls Night Out, which has become a regular date in our calendar as well as the thousands of women and girls that take part.
“The amount raised is a testament to the quality of care and support the hospice provides to the west Suffolk and Thetford community and the tremendous community spirit that exists in the area.”
Charlie De-Moore, the hospice’s events fundraiser, said: “Girls Night Out is the hospice’s biggest fundraising event and the whole evening comes alive with community spirit.
“We hope as many women as possible will pull on their best pyjamas and comfiest trainers and join us on Saturday, September 14.”
Registration for Girls Night Out 2019 opens on Friday, April 5.
Walkers will be able to sign-up at a discounted early price of £10 until May 31, with all entries after this date costing £15.
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