It was great to see the front page of the Echo with the headline "Funding Crisis Over" with regard to the fantastic work that has been undertaken in raising £253,000 for the cash strapped Fair Havens Hospice.

However, it was reported the bosses at Fair Havens Hospice would like to raise a further £250,000 by the end of the year to replace depleted reserves.

In addition, as I read further into the Echo I noted the charity Peaceful Place were trying to raise funds and even the centre pages had an article with regard to raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

It was such articles like these last year that reminded the members of Southend Round Table that all charities are in need of ongoing and new financial resources.

It inspired members of Southend Round Table to create an event to assist such charities in raising funds by organising an umbrella event which we called the Moonlight Colourthon.

This was a very successful event and raised over £146,000 which after gift aid took the total to over £180,000 for the benefit of around 206 different local and national charities.

This year, Southend Round Table are again holding their Moonlight Colourthon which is a walk with a difference.

Walkers will take on a half marathon course of 13.1 miles starting at 8pm on Saturday, July 5, from Chalkwell Park taking in Westcliff's picturesque cliff tops and back along the promenade, up to the fishermans' sheds at Leigh and then back to Chalkwell Park.

Walkers are encouraged to dress as brightly as their imagination will allow.

You can find details at www.moonlightcolourthon.co.uk or telephone 07010 728106 to find out where you can pick up a leaflet.

Steve Castle
Southend Round Table 106