Pompey players call to rally the city for hospice's moonlit walk

The fundraiser for the Purbrook-based charity, which helps people with life-limiting illnesses, is this year celebrateing its ninth anniversary.

And organisers are hoping the Blues’ backing will entice bumper numbers to join the fundraiser – particularly among men in the area.

Ian Young, honorary chairman of trustees at The Rowans, was excited about the prospect of this year’s walk.

Speaking at the launch event at the Roko Health Club in Copnor – which was supported by Pompey players Conor Chaplin, Ben Close and Danny Hollands, he said: ‘It costs £5.3m each year to run the hospice and all its services, so this is a really important event for us.’

So far, the walks have generated £1.8m, with last year seeing almost 900 people joining in, raising £105,000.

This year’s event will be held on June 18 and will again see fundraisers trekking six or 12 miles across the city.

Starting at 11pm from Castle Field, the route goes along Southsea seafront, past Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral, through the Historic Dockyard, past HMS Victory and HMS Warrior, then by Spinnaker Tower.

Clare Martin, director of community projects at Pompey in the Community, said they were thrilled to support the walk.

She said: ‘The Rowans is such a part of so many people’s lives, there are so many people in the community that have been helped with. So for us, it’s not just will we be able to do something – it’s always a big: “Yes, we can do it.”.’

The walk is open for anyone over the age of 13.

Registration before April 11 is £15. After then its £20. Walkers should raise as much sponsorship as possible.

To join, see rowanshospice.co.ukPOMPEY LATEST n Back page