New mum Ellie hoping to get fit and raise funds with Dougie Mac’s Moonlight Walk

New mum Ellie Moss is hoping to raise funds for Dougie Mac after signing up to take part in the charity’s Moonlight Walk event.

Ellie – along with other members of Meg’s Reading Club – will be dressing in book-themed t-shirts and jumpers with tutus and glow sticks for the event which is taking place on Friday, June 19.

Ellie, 25, gave birth to her son at the end of last year and decided to take part in the hospice’s flagship event as a chance to get back into shape and raise funds for Dougie Mac.

She said:

“This is my first time taking part and I’m very excited. I had my son at the end of December so I am using this as an opportunity to get in shape whilst raising money for a cause close to my heart. In 2023, my husband’s lovely Nannan Pamela passed away in the hospice so I am doing this to honour her.”

Ellie will be joined by other members of the book club which is a women-only group and has been running for around 18 months. The group meets monthly at different venues throughout Stoke-on-Trent and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Deborah Vickers, Head of Business and Events Fundraising, said:

“Our Moonlight Walk is a really popular, fun event that brings people together to support their local hospice. We’ll meet at St Peter’s Academy, Fenton from 8.30pm, where our walkers will be greeted by an entertainment stage with live music, refreshment stands and a glitter station. There will then be a short warm up before it’s time to hit the streets at 10pm.

“While our Moonlight Walk is a really fun, lively event, many of our walkers will be taking part in memory of a loved one who has been cared for by Dougie Mac, which also makes the walk really special. As part of the route there’s an opportunity to stop at the Moonlight Gardens at out Adult Services in Blurton and our Children and Young Adults Services in Trentham.”

Everyone who enters will receive a Moonlight Walk T-shirt to wear on the night, as well as a medal when they cross the finish line.

Deborah added:

“Funds raised will help us provide our specialist care services to local adults, young adults and children living with life-limiting illnesses in Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and the surrounding areas, as well as offering support to their families and carers.”

Although registration for the event closed on Monday, June 15, anyone who would like to take part can sign up on the night of the event.