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Don Valley steps in to save charity walk

29 October 2008

Sheffield’s Don Valley Stadium has come to the rescue of one of the city’s most popular charity events.

The Attercliffe venue, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV), has stepped in to host this year's Think Pink Sponsored Walk in aid of Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity.

The 2008 event was due to take place in the east end of Sheffield in September but torrential rain meant parts of the route were impassable and the walk had to be cancelled leaving nearly 500 participants all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity was facing a potential £40,000 drop in income from sponsorship until SIV's Don Valley Stadium offered to stage the event on Sunday, November 16 starting at 10am.

Cat Newman, event organiser, said: "We had to put people's safety first and cancel the original walk, which was devastating. We are so grateful to Don Valley Stadium for stepping forward and helping to salvage this much needed fundraising event.

"Weston Park Hospital is one of only three dedicated cancer hospitals in the UK and the only specialist cancer treatment centre in this area. £40,000 is a huge sum of money and our Think Pink walkers make a vital contribution to cancer research, treatment and care at the hospital."

Pat Smith, general manager of Don Valley Stadium, said: "We are delighted to be able to provide the venue for this year's walk. A huge amount of hard walk goes into orgnaising the event and it was such a shame that last month's walk was affected by the weather.

"Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity is a wonderful charity and we would encourage as many people as possible to get involved in this fantastic event."

Walkers registered for the previous walk are asked to arrive at Don Valley Stadium ready for a 10am start on Sunday 16th November. An instructor from the stadium's Fitness Unlimited gym will lead a mass aerobic warm up 15 minutes before the start of the event.

New walkers are welcome and can register on the day at a cost of £5. Parking is free.

Categories: Sheffield International Venues, Don Valley Stadium