The biggest event in St Ann’s Hospice’s calendar returned last week to Manchester and raised over £60,000!
St Ann’s Hospice’s Manchester Midnight Walk took place in the city centre on Friday 9th June, where hundreds of supporters gathered to walk 10km to raise money for the hospice.
Those participating enjoyed entertainment at the event party at Manchester Cathedral all evening, then set off at midnight and walked around many of the iconic landmarks that the city is known for.
Among those who took part in the walk were Terri Nowell from Romiley, who walked with some of her colleagues from Stepping Hill’s radiology department. Terri is a very dedicated supporter as she took on the walk after completing a 12-hour shift at the hospital.
Terri feels that the Midnight Walk is a way of remembering her mum, Carol Ditcher, as she died of lung cancer. The team at Stepping Hill are all also walking in memory of their late colleague Vanessa Trueman. Vanessa was cared for by St Ann’s Hospice and the young mum died in her 30s.
Heidi Oldham from Cheadle Heath is also from the radiology team, and she did her first Manchester Midnight Walk about six years ago.
I'm doing the walk to remember lots of people, family and friends. It is always great fun - last time I was here Mr Motivator was joining in too!
Another person who took on the Midnight Walk was Gillian Heslop from Pendlebury, who signed up 10 days before the event to show support for St Ann’s Hospice.
I don’t know of anyone personally who has been cared for the by the hospice, but I know how important hospice care is, as we will all die at some point. This is the third Manchester Midnight Walk I’ve done and I love them!
This year’s theme of ‘glitter and glow’ inspired lots of brightly coloured costumes and neon or flashing accessories, with a ‘glitter station’ at the cathedral providing last-minute finishing touches to walkers’ faces and limbs.
Betfred was the headline sponsor for the Midnight Walk, with all participants also getting a goody bag that was sponsored by Caddick Construction.
At the pre-walk event party walkers were treated to performances by the Rock Choir and the band Throb Lovelace and The Pitts, who led the hundreds of walkers around the cathedral in a huge conga line during their cover of the song Love Train.
After the event walkers were full of praise and excitement for the walk on our social media channels. Andy Powell, who performs as Throb Lovelace, said:
It was absolute privilege to be part of this wonderful event again. Congratulations to everybody involved from suppliers to walkers – a beautiful night, amazing atmosphere and a real honour to be part of something so special! Andy Powell
The evening was compered by ‘The Voice of Old Trafford’ Alan Keegan, who roamed around the cathedral talking to participants, staff and volunteers and finding out many people’s personal connections to St Ann’s Hospice. Alan said:
It was a wonderful evening for a very special organisation. Alan Keegan
The Midnight Walk has been running for over 15 years and has raised over £2 million in sponsorship for St Ann’s.
This year’s event alone raised over £60,000, which will have an unbelievable impact for the people supported by the charity.
Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s Hospice, spoke on the night about the importance of fundraising events like the walk, thanked participants and wished them luck. She said:
What a fantastic night! I’m so grateful to everyone who took part and raised sponsorship money for St Ann’s. It really shows the impact that the hospice has had on the lives of people in our community when we see everyone out in force for an event like this, and people’s generosity never fails to amaze me. We couldn’t continue without your support – thank you all for all that you do for St Ann’s. Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann's Hospice
For more information on what events you can take part in to support St Ann’s Hospice, see more on their website at www.sah.org.uk/get-involved.