It’s worth it to walk it

Local actress Olivia Nash and UTV's Claire McCollum are among a number of local celebrities and personalities who will be putting on their walking shoes to promote ‘It’s worth it to walk it’ in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice Care.

Now in its 26th year and firmly established as a calendar event, the NI Hospice Care sponsored walk continues to attract thousands of people of all ages.

Organisers are hoping that this year's walk on Saturday 25 March will exceed all previous records.

Joanna Pawson, coordinator of the Hospice Walk, is encouraging the public to get fit, have fun and support the local charity. NI Hospice Care annually cares for thousands of patients with cancer and other life limiting conditions at the hospice and in patients' homes.

“We are delighted to have such well known faces supporting the Hospice Walk. Each year it is a growing success but this year we need it to be even bigger and have set a fundraising target of £250, 000.

"Demand for our services both at hospice and at home is growing rapidly and we need to raise the funds to meet this demand. It’s a great day out and it is always great to see old and new faces joining the walk.”

CHOICE OF ROUTES

With over ten different walking routes to choose from across Northern Ireland, there is something to suit everyone from toddlers, teens, twenty somethings and seniors to the family pet.

Comfortable shoes are a must as routes can range from 1.5 miles at Castlecoole near Enniskillen, five miles at Castleward in Strangford and nine miles along the Lagan towpath, Belfast.

Walk venues include

1. Castle Ward near Strangford: five miles.
2. Colin Glen Forest Park: three or six miles.
3. Larne: five or nine miles.
4. Portstewart: three miles.
5. North Down coastal path: five or eight miles.
6. Lagan tow path: nine miles.
7. Antrim: five miles.
8. Belfast Castle: five miles.
9. Carrickfergus: five or ten miles.
10. Castlecoole, Enniskillen: 1.5 or three miles.