5 Jul 2026 Community

Hundreds of walkers turn Huddersfield pink for The Kirkwood Starlight Walk

A spectacular sea of neon pink illuminated the streets of Huddersfield on Saturday night, as over 800 walkers descended on the Accu Stadium for our annual Starlight Walk.

Kindly supported by official event partner Syngenta, our flagship fundraising event saw supporters of all ages, and plenty of four-legged friends, come together to walk three, six, or 10 miles, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds to support people affected by life limiting illnesses across Kirklees, as well as providing vital care for their families.

Emma Wilson, originally from Mirfield, was taking part in the walk for the very first time.

"We're taking part to raise money for a charity that means so much to our family," Emma said. "My mum, Helen Scargill, was cared for by The Kirkwood during the final days of her life before she sadly passed away in November 2025. The care she received was absolutely incredible. Taking part tonight is our way of saying thank you while helping to ensure other families can receive that same compassion and support."

She added: "Our team is called 'Helen's Odd Sock Clan', and it's a really personal tribute to Mum. She was famous in our family for wearing odd socks because she never worried about pairing them up, so we decided to make that part of tonight!”

Walkers arrived early, eager to take in the entertainment and the atmosphere at what is always a hugely emotional event – a rare chance to share memories and celebrate loved ones alongside a community united by the exact same bond.

Despite the drizzly conditions, the energy at the Accu Stadium was electric as the clock ticked down to the 10pm start. Crowds were treated to performances from the Huddersfield Giants Pro Squad, Legacy Steel Band, and singing duo Across the Moone. Just minutes before setting off, the sea of walkers, many dressed in tutus and draped in flashing accessories, limbered up with a vibrant Zumba warm-up from Crazy Amigos.

At the stroke of 10pm, 32 confetti cannons pierced the sky, showering the crowd in neon ticker tape as the walkers strode out into the night, transforming the sleepy evening streets into a neon celebration of life and memory. For so many, the night was deeply personal, with walkers pinning lovingly handmade messages to loved ones on their T-shirts.

For Sandra Bamford, from Highburton, the evening was an emotional one.

"This is our fourth Starlight Walk, and every year it means a little bit more to us,” Sandra said. “We originally took part because we wanted to support The Kirkwood, but two years ago the charity became a huge part of our own lives when my husband was admitted to the hospice. Since then, walking has become our way of remembering him.”

"When you've experienced The Kirkwood first-hand, you realise just how special it is. It's about the warmth, compassion and respect that every member of staff shows. They make an unbearable situation feel just a little easier, and that's an incredible gift to give to a family.”

Keith Swiffen, from Lowerhouses, took on the 10-mile route with his family after his dad, Anthony, died of cancer two years ago.

“The Kirkwood cared for him throughout his illness and the support they gave our family was outstanding,” Keith said. “When my dad passed away, the team were there holding his hand, brushing his hair, and making sure he was never alone right until the very end. We've already raised around £720, and it's a great feeling knowing that every donation will help The Kirkwood continue supporting local families when they need it most.”

This year’s Starlight Walk was the very first for Anya Friis, The Kirkwood’s new Head of Fundraising & Development, and she was deeply moved by the support from the local community.

“I am blown away by the passion and generosity of the Kirklees community. To see over 800 people showing up in their neon pink T-shirts is a moment I will never forget. My first Starlight Walk shows just how deeply loved The Kirkwood is here in Kirklees.

“I want to say thank you to our volunteers and members of staff, who have put so much hard work into making tonight a success. But most importantly, I want to thank every single walker for supporting our charity and helping to make this such an incredible evening.”

We would like to thank event partner Syngenta, venue host Accu Stadium, and the amazing team of staff and volunteers who ensured a safe, welcoming, and emotional night for everyone who laced up in memory of someone special.

We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the local businesses, performers, and community groups who made the night possible, including: Big Box, Purple Dog, Medevent Limited, Fox Engravers, West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, Walker Singleton, Wilkinson Woodward, FMG, Ridley & Hall, Waste Experts, Miller Homes, Utilita, Simpson Wood, Shepley Spring, George Shaw & Sons, Yorkshire Trainers, Towndoor, Crazy Amigos, Huddersfield Giants Pro Squad, Legacy Steel Band, Across the Moone, Anna Whitwam from Only 1 Design, Caleb James Audio Visual, Rowley Lane Junior Infant & Nursery School and Dalton School Junior Infant and Nursery.

As the dust settles on this year’s event, the countdown to next year has already begun, with registration officially open for the 2027 Starlight Walk.

To secure your place and support The Kirkwood, visit our Starlight Walk 2027 registration page.