Harrogate hospice brings back Midnight Walk
After a nine-year hiatus, Saint Michael’s Hospice are bringing back their much-loved event, the Midnight Glow Walk. This year, the event is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with the charity hopeful for 1,000 walkers to join them in lighting up the streets of Harrogate in tribute to the thousands of families Saint Michael’s supports each year.
Group of supporters in Saint Michael’s t-shirts with Glow Sticks.
The event returns on Saturday September 21 and promises a lively, party-like atmosphere in celebration of the cherished moments spent with loved ones. The 10km route around Harrogate starts after dark and will have the town glowing until Midnight.
Starting and ending at Ashville Sports Centre, the Midnight Walk kicks off at 10pm. The route will take supporters across The Stray, around Harrogate Town Centre, and through Valley Gardens, with walkers finishing around midnight.
The event – ideal for families, couples, groups of friends, work colleagues, or even pets – can be walked in tribute to someone special, or just for the fun – and those taking part will be making a big difference to local families living with terminal illness and bereavement.
Hospice supporter, Philippa, will be taking on the Midnight Glow Walk in tribute to her husband, Ivan, with the couple’s two daughters Sofia and Liliana aged ten and six.
Philippa with daughters Sofia and Liliana and family friend, Alison at the Twilight Walk in March
Ivan was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer in 2016 aged just 45. Sadly, by the time the diagnosis was confirmed, the cancer was too advanced for treatment. Talking about the care Ivan received at Saint Michael’s Hospice, Philippa said;
“It was the hardest part of our lives but that five weeks at Saint Michael’s enabled us to have special time as a family. We felt very fortunate.
“Ivan used to say: “Don’t count the days – make the days count’’ and Saint Michael’s helped us to do that. We even managed to go out for a meal together which I had never imagined would be possible.
“Saint Michael’s Hospice is a very special place for us. The care they gave Ivan in his last five weeks was fantastic and really took the pressure off; it let us be a family and make some very happy memories – for this we will always be very grateful.”
“We really enjoyed the Twilight Walk back in March and we can’t wait to take on the Midnight Glow Walk. Taking part in events for Saint Michael’s and raising any amount of money is really important. The hospice doesn’t just take wonderful care of the patients they really are there for the whole family immediately and for however long you need their support.”
The event hub at Ashville Sports Centre opens from 8.30pm, with pre-walk entertainment and refreshments, with the walk commencing with a staggard start from 10pm. The event is non-competitive and is not timed, and participants are encouraged to take their time and soak up the atmosphere.
Phillippa and Ivan with their daughter Sofia
Saint Michael’s vital services includes caring for people living with terminal illness in their own homes, and at their Hornbeam Park-based Crimple House Hospice. Specialist bereavement and emotional support service Just ‘B’ is part of their family of services, supporting children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire.
For a limited time only, take advantage of a 30% discount as part of an early bird offer. Simply type the code ‘MIDNIGHT30’ at checkout.
Sign up to today by visiting: https://saintmichaelshospice.org/events/midnight-walk-2024/
Saint Michael’s Hospice is also looking to partner with local businesses across the Harrogate district through sponsorship of the event. If your company is keen to find out more about sponsorship packages on offer, you can email partnerships@saintmichaelshospice.org.
