Lord Mayor’s walking challenge might include a spot of retail therapy

Coun Ross has chosen Sheffield’s only hospice as his charity of the year and as part of a year of funding he is about to embark on a sponsored walk that takes him into St Luke’s shops throughout the city.

St Luke’s now has 15 shops – including its online store – which raise more than £3 million towards the £7 million plus given every year by the public to keep the hospice open.

And on Friday September 15, Coun Ross, wife Sue and family dog Ruby will begin a nine-mile walking challenge, with the emphasis very much on raising money – and perhaps picking up a bargain or two along the way.

Starting off at 10am, the route will go from Sheffield Town Hall to the new St Luke’s city centre shop on The Moor before going on to visit shops in Crookes, Broomhill, Ecclesall Road, Nether Edge, Abbeydale Road and Woodseats, arriving at the St Luke’s Abbeydale Road South site at around 2.45pm.

“As St Lukes is my main charity this year, I am using this sponsored walk as a means of highlighting just how important all donations to the St Luke’s charity shops are,” said Coun Ross.

“They are a main source of income to the charity and with shops around the city, it is easy to drop off donations at any of the shops and do some bargain hunting at the same time.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting the amazing teams at all seven shops I’ll be visiting – but we’ll have to remember that on this occasion the emphasis is on walking rather than shopping!”

St Luke’s Senior Fundraising Manager Matthew Sheridan said: “We are delighted that Colin and Sue have chosen to support us in such an imaginative way.

“Our retail operations contribute more than £3 million to the £7 million plus that we need to raise every year to continue providing our excellent levels of service for all the people of Sheffield.

“Colin and Sue’s walk really will highlight the importance of both shopping with us and also of donating those many items that make a St Luke’s shopping experience so rewarding.

“If you see the Lord Mayor while you’re picking up a bargain, pleased do give him your encouragement.”

To support Coun Ross, Sue and Ruby simply visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lordmayorsbigwalk