NEARLY 1,000 people pounded the streets of Huddersfield for a charity walk in memory of loved ones.
Fundraisers of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the Galpharm Stadium for the fifth annual Midnight Memory Walk in aid of Kirkwood Hospice.
The 10-mile and six-mile charity walks gave people the chance to remember loved ones and help boost the Dalton hospice’s coffers.
A fantastic party atmosphere built up after registration opened at 10pm with entertainment from Ber Cirque who performed an Alice in Wonderland show, including two spectacular fire shows.
Hundreds of faces were painted by Lucy Crowhurst and DJ Paul Clarke was playing tunes to the crowd as they warmed up for the stroll.
Then on the stroke of midnight hundreds of walkers plus several pushchairs and a good contingent of four-legged friends had a spectacular send off as Hospice mascot, Duncan the Dragon, cut the yellow ribbon and fired off the balloon release.
Organiser, Jane Dutton, said about 900 people had braved the bad weather for the early hours event.
She said: “It was as a brilliant night as usual. We could have done without the rain, it came down really heavily, but it didn’t deter us and it did dry up eventually.
“I was amazed that people came from all over the country for this event.
“They know about it or have heard about it or have experienced our services.
“While most people came from Kirklees there were some from London, Scotland and Wales.”
Jane said the youngest to complete the route was a seven-year-old boy who did it with his mum who is battling cancer.
She added: “His mum has done the walk every year.
“The youngest to complete the six-mile walk was only five.
“It’s a wonderful event with a unique atmosphere as every participant is walking in memory of a loved one.
“We would like to thank everyone who has helped in any way to make this event such a wonderful success, especially all those who have walked and raised thousands of pounds for patient care.
“It will be some time before we have a final figure but approximately £75,000 was pledged on the night with many walkers expecting to collect more sponsorship money over the coming weeks
“Our target is £100,000. In these times when things aren’t good we will be delighted if we get that.”
Among those taking part were Alicia Swire 11, Lucy Stewart 11, Olivia Grogan 11, Dalton Cartwright, Christina Exley and Kian Cartwright.
