ALMOST 200 people took part in Winchester’s first ever Starlit Trail organised by Wessex Cancer Trust, and they are well on their way to raising £15,000 to help local families living with cancer.

Winchester MP and former cancer minister, Steve Brine, welcomed walkers to the Guildhall and spoke about why it is so important to support those living with cancer and how the power of community can change lives, before Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Eleanor Bell, greeted them at the start line and sent them on their way via a starlit curtain held aloft by stilt walkers.

As night descended and the stars shone over the City, walkers took a 5km route through the historic streets, enjoying entertainment along the way including a wishing tree, stilt walkers, trapeze act, dance troupe, ukulele band, hula hoopers, a harpist and choir.

Mary Mould, who walked with her two daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte, and close friend, Penny Webster, said it was a poignant evening:

“Last year we lost a very special person to us all and we wanted to do something to help raise money and awareness for this charity. Cancer affects so many of us, and so it’s easy to relate to why it’s important to support anyone who has to live with it. It was a wonderful event, a proper starlit evening with some lovely surprises along the way! We all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Trethowans Solicitors in Southgate Street was the lead sponsor for the event.

Wessex Cancer Trust’s next event is a Christmas celebration at Turner Sims concert hall on Wednesday 4th December at 7.30pm. Find out more at https://www.turnersims.co.uk/events/wct-christmas-celebration/.

Wessex Cancer Trust provides free and local support to anyone living with cancer at its five support centres in Hampshire, Dorset and Isle of Wight.