Thousands to walk at midnight for Kirkwood Hospice

Jun 18 2009 By Dave Himelfield

MORE than 1,000 people will be walking at midnight through Huddersfield to raise cash for charity.

Kirkwood Hospice’s third annual Midnight Memory Walk starts at the Galpharm Stadium on June 20.

The 10-mile sponsored walk, which begins at midnight, aims to raise cash for the hospice which provides palliative care for people with terminal conditions.

A six-mile route, recommended for younger children and people in wheelchairs, also takes place on the night.

The event, which starts with registration on Saturday evening at 10pm, includes entertainment from Andrea Bird and Friends. Paul Bamforth, of Showtec, will provide the music and sound system while Lucy Crowhurst will paint children’s faces.

Karen Porter will run a short warm-up session before the tape is cut at midnight by Kirkwood mascot Duncan the Dragon for the walk to commence.

Every walker will receive a Midnight Memory Walk T-shirt when they register and at the end of the walk, a medal, certificate and a bacon butty.

Kirkwood events fundraiser Jane Dutton said: “Our 2007 and 2008 Midnight Memory Walks have been a huge success with almost 1,500 walkers raising a staggering £130,000 for patient care.

“This year our aim is to build on this and make the 2009 Midnight Memory Walk bigger and better than ever.

“This is a unique event with a very special atmosphere as everyone is walking in memory of a loved one.