More than 3,500 people signed up for Ashgate Hospice’s biggest-ever Sparkle Night Walk, with thousands turning the streets of Chesterfield pink.
Dressed in vibrant pink clothing, flashing bunny ears and tutus, participants took on the annual 10km walk to help raise money to fund vital end of life care across North Derbyshire.
Already, more than £250,000 has been raised, with donations remaining open until the end of July. Every pound generated from the night ensures that the hospice can continue providing compassionate care to patients and those closest to them.
Among those taking part was Lisa Henry, who was walking in memory of her mum and a colleague.
The teacher from Inkersall Spencer Academy signed up to take part in the fundraising event in honour of her mum, Anne, who died from bowel cancer last October aged 74.
As she walked alongside her colleagues, thoughts of Sue, their colleague who died during the same year, wasn’t far from her mind.
“This year was my third Sparkle Night Walk and it was particularly meaningful,” said Lisa. “I had such a special bond with my mum. She was always laughing and had a great sense of humour. She was hardworking, loving, and happiest when she was surrounded by her family.”
Following a bowel cancer diagnosis, Anne underwent surgery and as her condition worsened, her wish was to remain at home surrounded by her family.
Lisa said the support provided by Ashgate Hospice was invaluable. “Without Ashgate, we couldn’t have cared for Mum at home,” she said. “They gave us reassurance, support and precious time together as a family. I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Denise Wain also took part in memory of her dad, Brian.
She said: “I’m walking in memory of my Dad, Brian, but this is also for all the other families in the future. We need to support Ashgate Hospice to ensure it can continue caring for others when they need it most.”
The evening began with live entertainment before participants set off on the walk at 10pm.
The route took walkers from the Chesterfield football stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the town’s streets before returning to the football ground.
James Branson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said:
“Thank you to everyone who helped make Sparkle Night Walk such a success – from our incredible volunteers who gave up their time, to the local businesses who supported us and everyone who cheered the walkers along the route.
“To see thousands of people come together in a sea of pink was simply incredible. Every person there had their own reason for walking, and together they’ve already raised more than £250,000 to help ensure we can continue providing care for patients and the people important to them across North Derbyshire.
“We’re incredibly grateful. Every pound raised will help us continue to be there for patients and the people important to them when they need us most, now and in the future.”
Super early bird registration for next year’s event has already opened at a reduced rate of £10 per person until 31 August. For details: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk
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Ashgate Hospice, based in Chesterfield, provides specialist palliative and end of life care including a wide range of community-based care and support services for people with a life-limiting illness – and the people important to them – across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. www.ashgatehospice.org.uk
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