The Hospice of St Francis Midnight Glow Walk takes place this Saturday night and, if your diary’s free on Saturday night, there’s still time to join the crowd!
Anyone(over 10) keen to get involved should make their way to Hemel Hempstead school (HP4 1TX) for 8:30pm. All you need is a pair of trainers and you’ll be given your bright pink T-shirt and glow accessories when you sign up. It costs just £20 to join the hundreds of walkers who are expected to walk for the Hospice on one of its most important fundraising nights of the year. The event raised £70k for the Hospice in 2014.
Hospice nurse Donna Thompson, who has worked for the charity for over 11 years and will be striding out with her daughter Daisy, 15, is urging everyone to come along saying, “Whether you, or someone you know, has experienced Hospice care or whether you know very little about the hospice movement, do come along and support us on Saturday night.
“Over the last 11 years, I’ve seen at first hand the difference our care makes to patients and it never stops being a privilege to support them and their families.
“By walking and raising what we can, we’re all doing our bit to generate the funds the Hospice needs to look after well-over 2,000 patients with life-limiting illness every year.
“And, the Midnight walk is always a fantastic occasion! It’s a whole mix of fun, giggles and laughter but of course some poignant moments as people often walk to remember someone special. If you’ve not done one, do come along and see what the buzz is about!”
The Glow Walk starts with a special ‘Rave-Fit’ routine and every walker receives refreshments and a medal at the end of the 5 or 10 mile route which takes in the streets of Hemel Hempstead going through Apsley, Nash Mills, Old Town and Chaulden.
Donna continues, “My daughter is really excited about walking too! For her it’s a great excuse to dress up in pink and bright neon and have a giggle but she realises there’s a serious side too and will be asking as many as her friends as possible for sponsorship.”
Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, Events Fundraiser at The Hospice of St Francis, adds, “Do come and glow for it with us on Saturday night. Either walk with us or, if you live on the route, why not glow up your house or simply leave your lights on after 12pm to show your support for the Hospice!
Since it started in 2006, the Walk has raised over £1m and participants are asked to raise what they can to support the Hospice and help raise the £4.8m it needs every year to provide its free care for Herts and Bucks people living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Just £50 would pay for an hour’s home visit by a Hospice nurse.