A team of 20 women and men from the Sawley Slimming World group have pledged to put their best steps forward in the Treetops Hospice Care sponsored Starlight Strut on Friday 17 May.

This will be the second year running the ‘Sawley Slimmer’s’ have taken part in the sponsored 5k and 10k walk which starts and ends at intu Derby. To celebrate its tenth year, the Starlight Strut will have a carnival-theme and is open to men, women and children to take part, Treetops, based in Risley, Derbyshire provides nursing care and emotional support for adults and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Jo Thompson, the group’s consultant, said:

“For us, the walk is a way of doing something good as well as bonding the group and promoting being healthier – something we actively promote as part of the Slimming World message. We’ve all started to build up our walking and most of us are aiming to complete the 10k route. “There’s always such a good atmosphere on the night and it’s really well organised. You can often end up walking with people that you don’t know and everyone is always friendly.

Amongst the Sawley Slimmer’s team is Emma Tyler, 39yrs from Long Eaton who took part in the Starlight strut for the first time last year. Both Emma’s parents received support from Treetops as she explained:
“I’ve always been proud of supporting Treetops – it’s a place that’s special to us. My dad had MS and he went there for respite for quite a long time. He really enjoyed going and it also gave my mum some time as well which was nice.

“My mum went to the carers’ meetings and after my dad died, she started volunteering on the hospice reception hospice. “It’s nice to be able to do something to say thank you for supporting our family and taking such good care of them.” Lorraine Ray, events fundraising lead at Treetops said: “It’s great that the team are keen to get involved again and raise money for the charity. We always get fantastic feedback about how much fun the Starlight Strut is from everyone who takes part, from the walkers themselves and from all the volunteer marshals.

“We’re aiming to encourage over 600 men, women and children to sign up this year and help us raise valuable funds so we can continue to support local people and their families.” Those interested in signing up for the Starlight Strut can register online at www.starlightstrut.com.

Treetops current services include Support and Information, Wellbeing Space, Hospice at Home nurses and Therapeutic Services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy.