Londoners walk the traditional 20 miles from Knightsbridge to Epsom for Derby Charities
John Sandys from Morden in Surrey, along with friends, family and whoever is inspired by his story and wants to make a difference, are walking an amazing 20 miles from Central London to leafy Epsom Downs on Wed 3rd June to raise money for Starlight Children’s Foundation, The Injured Jockey’s fund and Greatwood, Home for retired horses. The money raised for Starlight Children’s Foundation will be going directly to granting the dearest wishes of seriously and terminally ill children across the whole of the UK, ranging from trips to Disneyland to personal laptops so they can communicate with their friends whilst they are in hospital.
The specific route that John Sandys and his followers are embarking on is as close as possible to the one Londoners have traditionally walked since 1780 when the Derby first began. The people of 18th Century London would get up early with their families and make their excited way to Epsom Downs for one of the biggest events of the year: The Epsom Derby. John was advised of this monumental pilgrimage by famous Derby Historian Michael Church who showed him the specific landmarks that the group would pass on their way to Epsom. These include the Swan Pub in Clapham Common, Morden Hall and The Speadeagle pub in Epsom, all of which are still standing (the Spead Eagle is now a shopping mall), sadly.
There has already been a huge amount of support for John and he and his followers have set themselves a target £5000 each, which will make a massive difference to the life of those who benefit from their chosen charities. They are having a launch party in the Drill Inn in Worcester Park on the 28th May which will generate yet more publicity around this fabulous fundraising effort. The launch party is being held free of charge by the pub owner and will include open-mike and acoustic sessions along with a raffle and auction.
John Said: “I wanted to pay homage to the thousands of Londoners who have made this pilgrimage over the years and am delighted to be able raise money to grant Starlight children’s wishes and help my chosen charities while I’m at it. I’m hoping we’ll get even more of a following on the day”
Starlight grants a once-in-a-lifetime wish for seriously and terminally ill children, restoring the magic and fun of childhood and giving the whole family happy memories to share, whatever the future holds.
Starlight also creates entertainment in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK. Sick children go to Starlight parties, laugh their way through pantomimes, go out on Starlight Escapes, play games and watch films on the Starlight Fun Centre, and enjoy the toys and puzzles of the Starlight Distraction Box.Happy children respond better to treatment and Starlight helps children to forget about their illness and simply have a bit of fun.
To make a donation, simply log on to www.starlight.org.uk or call 020 7262 2881.For every £1 you donate, Starlight can assure you that 91p goes towards helping Starlight’s very ill children.
For more information contact Nikki at Starlight on nikki@starlight. Or visit www.thederbywalk2009.co.uk
