FRIDAY’S neon night gave a brand new meaning to ‘glowbal’ warming when more than 700 women put their best feet forward for Woking & Sam Beare Hospices’ ninth annual Midnight Walk.
A sea of orange T-shirts glowed as hundreds of Midnight Walkers emerged from the iconic Mercedes-Benz World premises for their eight-mile hike.
As well as the familiar flashing bunny ears illuminating the night skies, the neon theme with other glow-in-the-dark paraphernalia and face-paints added to the dazzling night delights.
Tutus were also in abundance, along with incandescent specs and glowsticks, all sparking an electric atmosphere from the women who had come together to raise money for the vital services of Woking & Sam Beare Hospices – it is one of the biggest fundraisers in the charities’ calendar.
The walk headed off at 10pm around the streets of West Byfleet, New Haw and Brooklands before heading back to Mercedes-Benz World. Hospices Event Fundraiser Danielle-Le Cuirot thanked them for the wonderful venue while praising the corporate sponsors who supplied refreshments and goodie bags.
She added: “I found the whole thing truly inspiring. Once all the sponsorship has been sent in, we are hoping the event will raise in excess of £100,000.”
Waqarun Nisa, Shahida Mahmood and Anu Modgill from Woking wanted to take part to do something for the community, and even though they were fasting for Ramadan, they were still raring to go.
Trudi Turner and her mum Marie Bakeman were taking part in memory of Trudi’s friend Kim Eastwood, who was cared for at Sam Beare. For ‘The Spiller Girls’, sisters Linda, Carol and Wendy, this would be the 7th year of taking part, which they initially did in memory of their Dad; poignantly, they’re now also doing it in their mum Beryl’s memory, as she passed away in May this year.
Julie Ulvmoen from Ashford won the ‘going the extra mile award’ for her dedication to fundraising and her involvement in the Midnight Walk. Julie walks in memory of her father Bill Watts and was thrilled with her award, saying: “I certainly didn’t expect to receive the first ‘Owliver’ award. I feel truly honoured and appreciated by the Fundraising Team. It’s something I enjoy doing and it’s nice to be recognised for it.”
The walk was for ladies only but the men were not left out, as many men who knew someone taking part came along to marshall the course, and were very supportive and encouraging. A huge team of other volunteers also helped with checking-in and marshalling duties.
Hospice Chief Executive Nigel Harding commented: “This annual event is very poignant and I feel privileged to attend and launch the walk.
“It’s good to meet people and hear first-hand exactly what a difference the care that we provide means to so many people in our community.”
