Why can only women take part?
Walk with the Stars invites women of all ages and fitness levels to join together to help raise funds for their local hospice. Most women will know a family member or friend who has been affected by cancer or other illnesses. There is something very special about a group of women joining together for a common cause and this is the only event in the hospice calendar which excludes men from participation in the actual walk. However we do need men to help us! We need lots of marshals and registration volunteers on the night so please get them to contact us about joining the Walk With the Stars Team.

How much does it cost to take part?
There is a £15 registration fee. This purely covers the cost of administration, your t-shirt, medal, fluorescent slap wrap, a torch, light breakfast and refreshments. So we would urge you to raise as much sponsorship money as possible. Every penny you raise will go directly to helping our hospice patients.

How long is the route?
The route is 13 miles. There will be rest points and water stations regularly along the route.
Please see map for further details.

Where does the walk go?
The walk is a circular route from Hemel Hempstead School, through to Berkhamsted Sports Centre and back again.

Can we walk as a group?
Yes absolutely, there is room for you to include a group name on your form and nominate a leader.

Will it be safe?
Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. The event has been organised in conjunction with the Hertfordshire Police, Dacorum Safety Advisory Group and St John Ambulance. The route will be heavily marshalled by volunteers and first aiders will be available along the route for the duration of the walk. We would encourage you to walk with a friend. If you are not walking in a group please visit the ‘Friendship zone’ on the night, where you can make friends with other walkers who’d like to walk in a group.

How long will it take?
The walk will take approximately 3.5 hours for a fit walker but there is no rush and we encourage walkers to go at their own pace. There will be lead walkers as well as people at the end of the walk to ensure the last participants return safely.

How do I know which expected finishing time to complete on the form?
The average person will walk one mile in 20 minutes. If you are very fit and exercise regularly then please tick the first box. If you are moderately fit please tick the second and if you wish to take the course at a more leisurely pace please tick the third. Please note that each zone will be leaving 5 minutes at different times so it is essential you make sure you start in your correct zone.

Where is the registration point and what time can we register?
Registration will take place in the sports hall at Hemel Hempstead School from 10.00pm (please do not arrive any earlier). You will then be guided outside on to the sports field where the speeches and warm up will take place. You may need an extra layer of clothing whilst you are waiting.

Will there be parking on the night?
There is no parking at Hemel Hempstead School, we therefore recommend where possible that participants share cars to the start point. There is parking available at Hemel Hempstead Sportspace, but this is limited.

Are there any lockers at the venue?
Unfortunately there are no facilities to leave your possessions at Hemel Hempstead School so please make sure that you bring only essential items with you.

Is the route suitable for children?
Walk with the Stars is not suitable for children under the age of 11. All children under 16 years of age who are participating in the walk must be accompanies by a responsible adult.

Are there toilets?
There are rest points, as well as toilet stops every 3 miles.

Do I need to be fit?
No, you can take it at your own pace, but we do recommend that you should train before taking part in the walk. Please refer to our training guide and also take a look at the training plan from Fitness Professionals both of which can be found on our website.

Will there be any refreshments?
We suggest you bring water, but there will be refreshments and water at the mid point and a light breakfast at the end of the route. Please make sure to let us know if you are a vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements on your entry form.

Can I bring my dog?
No pets or animals are permitted on Walk with the Stars or on the event route except for guide dogs.

How much sponsorship do I have to raise?
We do not ask for a minimum amount of sponsorship, but remember every pound you raise will go towards helping The Hospice of St Francis care for local people with cancer and other terminal illnesses.

How can I get sponsorship?
Ask everyone you know, including work colleagues. We also suggest you set up an on-line site. Visit www.justgiving.com/sfh and follow the instructions. Here are a few examples of how the money you raise can help us:

£12 will buy medical Oxygen
£15 will buy food for our regular volunteer gardens!
£25 will pay for a massage session for a patient
£50 will buy books for children
£80 will pay for a home care visit
£105 will pay for a day’s nursing costs

Why not add this information to your on-line fundraising page or attach it to your sponsor form sheet to help encourage your friends and family to sponsor you. Don’t forget to ask them to tick the Gift Aid box (see below).

Who is eligible to tick the Gift Aid box?
If the person sponsoring you is a UK taxpayer, or pays Capital Gains Tax, then you can make the donation worth even more. For every £1 you give to us, we get an extra 25p.

Is the route suitable for wheelchairs?
The route is not really suitable for wheelchairs however please contact the organiser, Fran Martin to discuss this further and we will try and accommodate your needs as best we can.

Do I need special footwear or clothing?
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing and well fitting, sturdy footwear (preferably trainers). Please make sure you wear your pink Walk with the Stars t shirt as your top layer so that there will be a sea of over 1000 pink women, it’s a wonderful sight! This year we will be warming up outside so you may want to put a thick or thermal layer under your t-shirt. The walk will not be sheltered so you may need to bring some wet weather gear too.
Fancy Dress - Lots of people last year added to the fun by coming in fancy dress, so anything goes really, as long as we can see your t-shirt! There will be a prize for the best fancy dress individual or team so think pink!

If you have any further queries or would like to consider registering as a volunteer on the night, please contact the Fundraising Department on 01442 869555 and we will delighted to talk to you.