The city’s original, exciting night-time event, the Manchester Midnight Walk, is back for the fourth year, even bigger than before and is putting its best foot forward on Friday 2 July 2010.

Photograph courtesy of The Stockport Express

On the stroke of midnight thousands will take to the streets from Manchester Central in a fun-filled ‘night to remember’. All the walkers are raising money for St Ann’s Hospice, one of the largest adult hospices in the UK.  

The walk will take a 10k route through Manchester’s city centre, past some of its best-known landmarks including the start point, Manchester Central, Granada Studios, Urbis, the MEN Arena and the Cathedral, giving walkers the opportunity to see their city in a new light and experience a unique party atmosphere at the same time.   Taking part in the walk not only supports the work of the hospice, but is a night to remember. At the heart of the walk is the Wall of Hope for walkers who choose to leave a special message in memory of a loved one, which will then be displayed on a big screen on the night.  

2009 saw over 3,000 people of all ages and fitness levels taking part and a whole host of music, fancy dress and entertainment, including performances from fantastic local musicians, support from Coronation Street star and St Ann’s ambassador, Kate Anthony and a warm up session from the ultimate fitness guru, GMTVs Mr Motivator. 2010 is set to be the biggest and best Midnight Walk to date with some fantastic entertainment and celebrity appearances in the pipeline. Catherine Williams, Director of Fundraising and Communications for St Ann’s Hospice comments, “The Manchester Midnight Walk is the perfect opportunity for the people of Greater Manchester to join together in support of a local charity. Every walker is a star for the night in the eyes of the hospice and their support is crucial to our ongoing work.”  

Ambassador for St Ann’s Hospice and Coronation Street star Kate Anthony adds, “I couldn’t believe the amazing atmosphere of the walk when I first took part last year. Anyone who wants to do something different in 2010 and raise money for a fantastic Manchester charity couldn’t find a better event to sign up to. I can’t wait to do it again!”  

Families are actively encouraged to join in the fun and take part in the walk with anyone over the age of 11 able to take part when accompanied by an adult. There’s no need for a grueling fitness regime, as the 10k is fine to complete for anyone with a decent level of fitness and a proper pair of shoes!  

The Manchester Midnight Walk was created in 2007 to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice. The specialist staff at St Ann’s understand that someone who is dying or who is living with a life limiting illness has their own unique physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, the provision of which can contribute greatly to their overall well being. The staff at St Ann’s are there for all the family and all services are provided free of charge to over 3,000 people every year either in the hospice or whilst living at home.  

But St Ann’s Hospice is largely dependent on donations for its survival and has to raise £16,000 a day to keep its doors open. For every £1 donated to the hospice, 92p is spent directly on patient care.  

As an added incentive to sign up now (last year St Ann’s had to turn away hundreds of last minute registrations) there’s an early bird registration fee of £12 until Friday 26th March and £15 thereafter.  

So why not set a challenge in 2010, register now and get a head start on fundraising!  There’s also a special rate of £8 for those aged 11 to 17.

For more information visit www.manchestermidnightwalk.org.uk or call 0161 498 3631.

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