25 Jun 2017 Community

Fantastic turn out as community laces up for the Midnight Memory Walk

On a record breaking evening for Kirkwood Hospice, the local community came together to walk through the night in memory of their loved ones.

Kirkwood Hospice’s biggest event of the year, sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment, made its return in the early hours of Sunday morning, for an evening that will live long in the memory.

Over 1,200 people from across Kirklees and beyond laced up their boots to raise a record-breaking £113,000 at the annual Midnight Memory Walk in the Hospice's 30th Anniversary year.

On a warm and clear evening, crowds packed into the University of Huddersfield’s Queensgate campus well before the midnight hour, creating an electric atmosphere that continued throughout the night as walkers shared stories of loved ones and joined in with the live entertainment provided Pulse Radio’s Rosie Madison.

Many walkers painted their faces with bright colours and glitter tattoos, whilst others donned flashing bunny ears, creating a unique scene which lit up the late evening sky.

Margaret Hamilton came from Scissett to soak up the atmosphere with her family and to remember her sister, Ros Childs, and late brother-in-law, Rod Whitefoot.

She said: “I did the walk in 2016 and couldn’t wait to come back this year. It’s a great time, great company and a great cause.”

Click here to view the full gallery of images from this year's Midnight Memory Walk

With the clock ticking toward twelve, the Total Fitness team put walkers through their paces with an energetic warm up routine, as the excited crowd limbered up for a very special midnight stroll.

Gareth Greenwood, of Lockwood, and his eight year-old daughter, Holly, stayed up late in memory of Gareth's Auntie Nancy, who died earlier this year.

"Nancy always donated to Kirkwood so we thought we’d come in her memory this year.” said Gareth.

Holly added: "We do this every year. This is my fourth time and my dad has done it five times. I am going to do it when I'm older as well!"

As the clock struck midnight, confetti cannons pierced the night air and a sea of orange T-shirts poured through an illuminated archway, spilling out on to otherwise deserted streets.

And as surrounding neighbourhoods slept, the Midnight Memory Walk began.

Leanne Manning, Kimberley Earnshaw and Sam Lee, of Waterloo and Fenay Bridge, donned their bright orange t-shirts in memory of Leanne's partner Tony Hawkins.

"Tony received fantastic care from the Hospice before he died.” said Leanne. “Tonight we just wanted to give something back.

"We've called ourselves the ‘Walking Warriors’. We've all been out training five nights a week to get ready!”

After making their way through Lowerhouses, Almondbury, Fenay Bridge and Moldgreen, walkers were cheered home by Hospice staff and volunteers - as well as fellow participants - and were rewarded with a well-earned bacon butty and a hot drink.

And finishers’ medals weren’t just for the human walkers, with dozens of Kirkwood’s furry friends getting their reward too - a unique bone-shaped medal and lots of doggy treats.

Friends Shona Beattie, of Marsh, and Cheryl Watson, from Salendine Nook, along with Buddy the dog, took on the 10 mile walk in memory of a special friend.

Shona said: “A big group of us are here tonight to remember Clare Standring who we lost in October, aged just 46. She was at the Hospice for eight days and she wanted to go there, it was her last wish.

“I was absolutely blown away by how caring and beautiful they are at the Hospice. It’s amazing down there, such a beautiful place. When you go down to the Hospice, you feel so welcome.”

Proceeds from the Midnight Memory Walk help Kirkwood to continue providing outstanding care and support for people across Kirklees and the community dug deep on the night to raise an incredible, record-breaking figure in excess of £113,000.

Fundraising Manager, Beverley Shaw, was delighted to have been part of the event.

Beverley said: "Tonight has been a phenomenal experience. It's been exciting and very emotional. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out in force to support Kirkwood this evening. Their efforts have helped to make tonight a record breaking one for the Hospice in its 30th Anniversary year.

"A big thank you goes to all of our sponsors and wonderful volunteers. We are overwhelmed by their dedication and commitment to helping us make the Midnight Memory Walk such a fantastic event."

Kirkwood would like to thank event sponsors; Investec Wealth & Investment, Distinct Disposables, Syngenta and the Essential Group.

The Hospice is also indebted to; Asparagus Green Catering, The University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, Coffee Boy, Sainsbury's at Shorehead, Shepley Spring, Damika, Raynet, First Medical, Total Fitness, The Pulse, Mark Flynn Photography, Tesco and many others for their support.

Mark Flynn Photography has uploaded a gallery of images from this year's Midnight Memory Walk. Click here to take a look.