Judes Gems are taking part in the Martlets Midnight Walk

The Martlets fundraising team visited the Royal Alexandra children’s hospital to meet ‘Jude’s Gems’, a group of theatre and day surgery nurses who have signed up for this year’s Midnight Walk in support of their colleague, Jude Stokes.

Jude Stokes, who works at the Royal Alexandra children’s hospital was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer in January. Speaking about her illness, Jude said

*“In January of this year I was diagnosed with Advanced Gastric Cancer & not given much time to live.
Devastating, but I am fighting back with chemotherapy & lots of support from my ever strong family & friends. I am very young and have my two beautiful children to fight for. They don't deserve to lose their mummy. I am fortunate enough to be looked after daily by The Martlets Hospice at Home team who have been amazing since I was referred to them. They provide medical care & emotional support as I require it; they are also a source of support to my family. They are a local charity & supply all my care for free!” *

Jude went on to say that she wanted to promote the great cause of the Martlets mid-night walk, even though she was so ill.

*“I want to give something back to these wonderful nurses but I can't do it alone. If people can help by doing the Martlets Midnight Walk or by sponsoring someone in my group Jude's Gems to do the walk that would be amazing.” *Jude’s Gems are going to dress up in colourful outfits and will be joined by their four legged Alaskan Malamute Mascot, Sam.

Jude’s friends and family have also signed up to do the walk and already the team have raised over £1,300.

**This years midnight walk is taking place on Friday 14 June 2013. **

The Martlets midnight walk has been going since 2006 and has raised over three quarters of a million pounds for the Martlets Hospice. The women’s only event raised £115,000 last year and the money raised from this years walk will go directly to fund the work of these specialist nurses.

Those involved can choose whether they want to do a 6 mile or a 13 mile walk. All that is required is a pair of sensible shoes! Both walks start and finish at Brighton Racecourse.

Entry is £15 and all walkers will be asked to raise at least £25 in sponsorship and anyone who achieves over £120 in sponsorship will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a treat at the Thistle Hotel.