AN army of red took to the streets of Wrexham to raise money for the town’s hospice.
More than 700 people pulled on their walking boots to take part in the Midnight Walk.
Normally a ladies-only night, this year the event was open to anyone aged eight upwards and walkers – who donned cherry red Midnight Walk T-shirts – were joined by former serviceman Shaun Stocker.
Inspirational Shaun, 27, from Wrexham, who lost both his limbs above the knee and walks with the aid of two prosthetic legs after stepping on an explosive device in Afghanistan, led the challenge with walkers setting off from Llwyn Isaf.
Now in its 12th year, the Midnight Walk helps to raise valuable funds to support the hospice which has a 12-bed inpatient ward, facilities for 15 day patients and offers a range a range of services including occupational therapy, complementary therapies, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and bereavement support.
Amanda Kinsey, the hospice’s Area Fundraiser/ Event Organiser, said the walkers had once again done the hospice proud.
“We are always blown away by the amount of support shown to the hospice and our staff and this year has been no different. People came from across North Wales, Shropshire, and Cheshire to step out for us and help raise vital funds to support patients and their families.
“It costs ÂŁ3million a year to keep the hospice going so events like this are invaluable to us and the people who use our services. The Midnight Walk is a fun night but a really important event too and we’re so very grateful to everyone who took part. Every single one of those steps taken on the night helps us to make a difference in some way. Thank you to everyone involved to make the night extra special – our volunteers, local businesses, the support team from Wrexham Football Club, and of course our walkers.”
Walkers chose from a 6km or 10km walk around Wrexham and set off after a rousing send-off from Shropshire band Brass Monkees. People were also encouraged to hang lanterns in Llwyn Isaf in memory of loved ones.
This year’s walk was supported by a host of Wrexham companies including the Village Bakery which provided free tasty treats to returning walkers, and outsourced communications provider Moneypenny which entered its own team of walkers.
The hospice has a number of events coming up in the next few months including a duck race, and colour run. To get involved see www.nightingalehouse.co.uk
