NEARLY 1,000 people took to the streets under cover of darkness to raise more than £100,000 for Kirkwood Hospice.
Fundraisers of all ages and backgrounds were taking part in the fourth annual Midnight Memory Walk.
The 10-mile circular walk from the Galpharm Stadium gives people the chance to remember loved ones and help boost the Dalton hospice’s coffers.
Huddersfield New College tutor Chris Madej, 30, took part for the second time with four colleagues.
He was the first walker to cross the line after about two hours and 20 minutes along with fellow tutor Sonia Ross.
Chris, of Fir Road in Paddock, said: “It’s such a great cause and it’s a really humbling experience to be out there with all these people who have been affected by cancer.”
Gail Flynn, 42, took part for the third time with her boyfriend, Richard Colbeck, 16-year-old son Liam and dog, Barney.
They raised about £150 walking in memory of Gail’s father-in-law, Robert Flynn, who died at the hospice in 2002 aged 62.
Gail, a nurse at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary who lives at Park Lea in Bradley, said: “I’ve got experience of looking after people dying of cancer and the hospice provides a great service.
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“There was a really good atmosphere – everyone’s working towards a common cause and when you see all the colours people are in it’s quite emotional.”
Most of the walkers – including some with pushchairs and many with dogs – came from across Kirklees.
But there were participants from all over the country and there was even one from Canada.
Events manager Jane Dutton said: “The Midnight Memory Walk is a wonderful event with a unique atmosphere as every participant is walking in memory of a loved one.
“There is much laughter and a few tears as walkers tell us why they are walking and this makes it an unforgettable night.
“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.”
The official figure raised will not be known for some time, but walkers have pledged more than £100,000.
