A record 1,161 people took part in the annual Twilight Walk at the weekend, in aid of local hospice charity ellenor, which provides vital hospice care to people of all ages.
Twilight Walk, is ellenor’s flagship event yet and has grown in popularity during its nine year existence. Walkers flocked in droves to cyclopark, Gravesend – a cycling hub and activities venue – to participate in an evening of fun, celebration and remembrance.
All ages from the youngest to the oldest joined together with their families and friends, to walk either a 8km or 12km route, well and truly turning the streets of the town orange! Natasha Mcdiarmid warmed up the crowds and Gary Alexander, Manager of Bostik League South East club and former Millwall striker set the annual walk on its way, with the local community and passing cars honking their horns, cheering and supporting every step of the way.
Donations have poured in with huge numbers of supporters remembering loved ones who are no longer with us. We would encourage that all walkers send in their sponsorship monies raised and everyone that raises over £200 will receive an exclusive ellenor water bottle.
Emma Bowles, ellenor Senior Events Fundraiser said: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to our supporters, and also to our sponsors; it is only through their support that we can make a difference for seriously ill children and adults cared for by ellenor. This event not only raises money for hospice care, but it also celebrates the lives of loved ones. We would like to thank everyone who supported this event”.
The night was the perfect mix of memory making and remembering loved ones no longer with us; walkers had written tributes on the back of their t-shirts and this made the evening all the more poignant and special.
Participants also enjoyed some treats along the route including the popular chip and ice cream stops, before finishing at the cyclopark for a well-deserved delicious hot chocolate and music to finish the night.
Thank you to our event sponsor for the fifth year Esquire Developments and to everyone that donated their services and time to make the event such a special successful evening.
Here are some quotes from our Twilight Walkers:
“It really is important to remember loved ones and be part of a community that supports everyone and knows each other”. Jane
“We are all walking – doing this for a cause that is very close to our hearts. We all have someone that was affected by a sudden illness. We know we need the support of ellenor and we know what a fantastic cause it is”. Victoria.
“I have done this because I am local GP and I have had quite a few patients who have passed away. A friend of mine who saw her last days at ellenor’s hospice, I am doing this in aid of her”. Dr Mandy Sahota
If you want to take part in an event for a loved one, or arrange an event visit www.ellenor.org/events for more information.