Next year marks the 10th birthday of St Elizabeth Hospice’s biggest event of the year, the Midnight Walk.
Men and women are urged to unite for one night on Saturday 7 May 2016 to show their support for all those in Suffolk affected by hospice care.
2016’s Midnight Walk will have a neon theme to celebrate its tenth birthday and there will be a host of entertainment, including music and fun packed activities to get the party started on the night.
There will be two circular routes to choose from, a five mile or a new, special ten mile route, both starting and finishing at Ipswich Town Football Club – and if you sign up now you can save £5 with the early bird offer!
Catherine Sheppard, event organiser, said: “We are very excited to have launched our tenth Midnight Walk and we hope this year will be the biggest and best yet, with previous and new participants joining us for this fantastic fundraiser.
“We would love everyone who has ever taken part in the Midnight Walk to come along again and walk with us for this special year and to bring along all their friends, family, colleagues and neighbours.
“It really will be a party atmosphere and we’ve got lots of entertainment lined up to get the crowd warmed up before they set off on their five or ten mile walks.”
The local charity launched its tenth Midnight Walk at Ipswich Town Football Club, where the event starts and finishes, with the help from local people who have taken part over the years.
Danny Jones, Dawn Easter, Tracy New, Steve Banks and Hannah Graves have all walked the Midnight Walk previously for St Elizabeth Hospice and were all eager to get involved in the launch and support the hospice again in any way they could.
Dawn Easter is one of the hospice’s longest serving volunteers and has supported the charity for more than 26 years.
She said: “I’ve walked the Midnight Walk six or seven times. It’s always good fun! I’ve often walked on my own in the past but I always spot someone I know and have a chat. I’m thinking of getting a team together for this year as it’s a special birthday year – the tenth Midnight Walk!
“The best thing about it is the sense of camaraderie. It’s a really good night out and everyone has a good time.”
Danny Jones is a regular day care volunteer at the hospice and has taken part in the Midnight Walk several times.
He added: “Last year was the first time my son, Lewis, was able to join me on the Midnight Walk and he was so keen.
“Because of volunteering at the hospice, this year I knew so many people. When we came across others whom we recognised, Lewis and I would hi -five them! Lewis really got into the whole spirit of the occasion and thoroughly enjoyed himself, as did I.
“It’s all about making memories, and plenty of people remember us!
“I’m really excited for next year’s neon-themed walk. I think it’s brilliant and I can’t wait to get my neon braces out along with my bow-tie, face-paint and my bright yellow afro wig!”
Next year will be Hannah Graves’ third Midnight Walk in memory of her mum, Davina, who was cared for by St Elizabeth Hospice in 2014.
Hannah said: “The staff there are amazing! They not only looked after mum incredibly well, but they looked after us too.
“My friends all walk with me, for me and in memory of Mum, even though they didn’t really know her well. I want to help St Elizabeth Hospice as they helped me.
“I usually walk with my girlfriends, but my Dad also gets involved and drives round the route, cheering us on!
“I can’t wait for next year’s walk. The tenth birthday will be the best yet, especially with the neon theme. We will be making Ipswich glow!”
Both routes will both poignantly pass the hospice in Foxhall Road, Ipswich, where all participants will have the opportunity to hang a personalised tag on the Tree of Remembrance.
All participants will receive an exclusive, neon Midnight Walk 2016 T-shirt, a special edition 10th birthday medal and a hot chocolate at the finish line.
Everyone is asked to raise as much sponsorship as you can. By raising £100 you can help provide five hours of nursing care and ensure a patient doesn’t have to face their illness alone.
You can save £5 and register for just £10 with the early bird offer before 31 January 2016.
Be part of Suffolk’s biggest celebration of life and sign up now at www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk or call 01473 707043 or email midnightwalk@stelizabethhospice.org.uk to request a paper form.