For the last nine years, the Eva Richardson Women?s Missionary Society of the Allen Temple AME Church in Somerset has held an annual health fair and walk as an outreach to the local community.

According to Grenell Stocks, one of the organisers: ?We started the Health Fair and ten-kilometre walk as a means to educate the community. Other health fairs were not available in Somerset so we decide to do one for those who were unable to go out of the area.?

?The 10K Walk and Health Fair is very valuable to the community because it evokes people to change their lifestyle and eating habits,? she says.

This year, funds raised by the walk, which begins at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday, May 27, will be donated to the Bermuda Diabetes Association.

?We chose the Diabetes Association because we have so many diabetics in our congregation and also because the Diabetes Association has been in the media recently making a plea for funds,? she explains.

?Personally, I have a family history of diabetes and have lost both parents to complications of this dreaded disease. We would like to invite all walkers, track clubs, office groups and any willing body to participate in this venture.?

Walkers can collect entry forms from Sports R Us, Caesar?s Pharmacy, People?s Pharmacy, Warwick Esso Tiger Market and the office at 46 Par-la-Ville Road, or they can register online at www.amechurchfunctions.com.

The entry fee is $25 and walkers can pick up their T-shirt and event number from the Allen Temple Church Hall or the St. Paul AME Church Office between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on May 23, 25 and 26. Pledges must be turned in by the day of the event.

The health fair will begin at 10 a.m. and includes free blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol screenings.

Guest speakers include Simone Hollis on nutrition, Rachael Andraede on cancer and Marva Phillips on diabetes, as well as a representative from the Bermuda Heart Foundation on cardiac care.

The Eva Richardson Women?s Missionary Society was named after Eva Richardson the wife of the pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in 1925.

Its initial purpose was to help the pastor in the mission of the local church. The group currently has a global ministry, in addition to the local responsibilities. Their mission statement is: ?We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.?

The group will be celebrating it?s 81st anniversary on June 4 in two services at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sister Jamesina Evans, Connectional President of the AME Churches, will be the guest speaker.