St Elizabeth Hospice supporters brought colour and fun to Ipswich this weekend as part of the hospice’s flagship fundraiser, the Midnight Walk.
Returning to Ipswich, after taking a break in 2022 while the hospice hosted the Big Hoot Ipswich 2022 art trail, the Midnight Walk saw over 1, 200 supporters don their best fancy dress and neon-themed outfits to show their love for the independent Suffolk charity.
Taking place on Saturday 20th May, the Midnight Walk, which was sponsored by Hawk Express Cabs, also provided supporters with an opportunity to remember loved ones who are no longer with us and to raise funds for the hospice through sponsorship – with over £90,000 already raised as donations continue to come in.
The evening was compered by BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Sarah Lilley and the walkers were officially set on their way by hospice Chief Executive Officer, Judi Newman and Lena Porter, who also took part in the walk as a tribute to her husband, Lee Porter, who died aged 46-years-old in January 2022, from bowel cancer, while under the care of St Elizabeth Hospice.
“It has been an amazing evening, with lots of laughter but also a very special time to think of Lee,” said Lena.
“Every step I did was for Lee and I am so proud to have done this in tribute to him. I have done the Midnight Walk previously and once again it was just brilliant to be around so many incredible people celebrating and showing their love for this special local charity.”
This year’s event was the sixteenth edition of the flagship fundraiser and saw supporters completing walking routes of 5 or 10 miles, with both routes starting at the home of Ipswich Town FC, Portman Road from 9.30pm.
Both routes took supporters from Ipswich Town Football Club at Portman Road along Ipswich Waterfront. The 5 mile route then continued up to Foxhall Road to the hospice, whilst the 10 mile route ran past The Hold, Christchurch Park, to Rushmere before linking up at the hospice. Both routes then returned along Ipswich Waterfront, finishing at ITFC’s ground to end the night.
James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Midnight Walk and to all the volunteers and supporters who made the event possible. You are all superstars!
“A fantastic time was had by all and it was brilliant to bring the walk back to Ipswich with its party vibes and the fantastic neon outfits worn by supporters. Every penny raised really will make a difference to the hospice’s services as we continue to evolve and expand our care to support more patients and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.”
Kelly Fenton, from Hawk Express Cabs, said: “It’s amazing to be a part of such a fantastic event which brings the community together to support the hospice and its brilliant work.
“We are so proud to sponsor the Midnight Walk which has returned bigger and brighter than ever before, Well done to everyone who took part in this special evening.”