A record number of walkers took to the streets of Huddersfield in the early hours of Sunday morning to remember loved ones and raise vital funds for Kirkwood Hospice.

A total of 1,278 people stayed up late to walk in memory of their loved ones at the Hospice’s Midnight Memory Walk.

They helped raise an impressive £95,000 for patient care.

The record-breaking turn out was seen as the annual event celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Despite the unpredictable June weather, the night stayed fine as the huge crowd laced up and took on the six or 10 mile walk around the streets of Huddersfield, passing through Almondbury, Lepton and Waterloo along the way.

Walkers donned bright green T-Shirts displaying the names of loved ones on their back.

The crowd descended on the University of Huddersfield from 10pm creating an electric and emotionally charged atmosphere.

DJs from TAP Events were on hand to get the crowd into the party spirit, before the walkers were treated to a dazzling neon glow show and performances by stilt walkers.

SJ, of PPD Studios in Marsh, got the crowd limbered up with an energetic cardio dance warm up.

Ticker tape cannons then tore through the night sky, creating a fountain of colour that covered the walkers as they passed over the start line.

Midnight Memory Walk for Kirkwood Hospice

Heather Howes, of Meltham, took on the walking challenge with friends fro m Slimming World and her granddaughter.

The 65-year-old was thinking about her mother, who died of a brain tumour in the 1970s.

She said: “Kirkwood is a really good cause.

“I visited a friend’s nephew at Kirkwood and saw first-hand the services and care that they offer.”

John Haigh, of Kirkheaton, decided to take part after visiting Kirkwood Hospice with his wife recently.

John, 70, who walked with his son, said: “My wife was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago.

“Though not necessarily terminal, we decided to visit the Hospice to see and be aware of the services they have to offer.”

Wendy Sykes’s mum was cared for by Kirkwood before she died and decided to sign up for the walk with friends and family.

She said: “I am walking for mum and dad.

“My mum Margaret Hargreaves was at the Hospice and received fantastic care up until her death.

“Mum referred to the nurses as ‘angels’ and the staff also supported me.”

“We did the walk last year as well – it’s a fabulous event!”

Midnight Memory Walk for Kirkwood Hospice

Event organiser Emily Kennedy was delighted that so many turned up to support the Hospice and raise funds and described the night as “amazing”.

She said: “To see so many people here walking in memory of a loved one is humbling.

“As well as raising funds, this event brings the community together and allows us all to share special memories.

“Kirkwood provides care for thousands of people across Kirklees every year and demand for our services continues to grow.

“To see so many people out in force underlines just how many people are affected by a life-limiting illness in some way.

“We’re delighted that the Midnight Memory Walk has just celebrated 10 years.

“We are already looking forward to next year.”