A group of walkers are swapping the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside for Manchester city centre this month.
The team from across the north west has signed up to take part in this year’s Manchester Midnight Walk to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice.
Jackie Oldham, leader of the team ‘Awelonites’, is also Chair of the hospice.
She explained: “The Manchester Midnight Walk is such an iconic event in the city’s annual calendar and even before I was involved with the hospice I was aware of how important it was in raising money for local patients.
“Our team is made up of walkers aged between 25 and 65. We usually enjoy heading into the Welsh countryside to walk together and relax, but we’ve decided to put our walking boots to use in aid of a good cause and take part in the Midnight Walk this year.
“As volunteer Chair of the hospice’s board I’m privileged to see first-hand the amazing, holistic care provided to local people, right when they need it most.
“St Ann’s needs to raise £20,000 a day to keep that specialist care provision going for patients and their families, and I know that every penny raised in our sponsorship for the 10km walk will make a real difference to their lives.”
The Manchester Midnight Walk, which will take place on Friday, April 26, has become a staple on the city’s fundraising calendar, with last year’s event raising £163,795 for St Ann’s, bringing the total raised since its launch to more than £2m.
The event has pulled in the crowds every year since it began in 2007, creating a unique late-night party atmosphere.
Manchester Cathedral have supported the event, along with headline sponsor BetFred.
The walk leaves Manchester Central at midnight, with music and entertainment on the event stage starting at 9pm.
The 10km route covers landmarks such as Manchester Cathedral, St Ann’s Square and Spinningfields.
Organisers are urging anyone interested in taking part to register as soon as possible.
Many fundraisers walk in memory of loved ones, with others happy to join the fun at this family event.
How get involved:
- To register please visit www.mmwalk.org.uk or call the hospice on 0161 498 3631.
- To sponsor Jackie’s team, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/awelonites
