Midnight Walk – “I love the atmosphere on the night, especially now the Midnight Walk is open to everyone!”
Our biggest fundraising event of the year, Midnight Walk, is just over a week away now! Nearly 900 people have already signed up for the event which is taking place in Horsham on Saturday 8 June. And there’s still time to make your steps count by joining them! Here, Trish Moynihan who has taken part in the Midnight Walk for the past twelve years tells us more about what to expect on the night.
“I know about St Catherine’s Hospice as I live locally and often read about them in the press or through the letters I receive from them. The hospice’s first Midnight Walk coincided with the year I turned 50, and so I decided to take on the 13 mile route as a personal challenge to myself. It was a great way to get fit whilst also raising money for a good cause. I made a deal with myself that I would take part every year for the next 10 years, and aimed to raise £100 a year so that by the end I would have raised over £1000 for St Catherine’s. I’m now on my twelfth year of walking!
I love the atmosphere on the night, especially now the Midnight Walk is open to everyone! I walked with a friend the first year I did it, but most years I walk solo. It’s a great way to take part as you get to chat to lots of different people and hear their stories which is so inspiring. There are lots of walkers who do it solo and everyone is so friendly.
The walk itself isn’t too hard, as long as you train before. Even just getting out walking for an hour once or twice a week makes a big difference. My biggest piece of advice to anyone taking part in the Midnight Walk would be to make sure you have a good pair of shoes!
The Midnight Walk gives me a real sense of achievement, especially as I cross the finish line and get my medal. I’ve hung all the medals up at home to remind me of my accomplishments, as well as why it’s important to continue to support the hospice.
It makes me feel sad that St Catherine’s can only currently care for 1 in 3 people who need them. I think it’s important that awareness is raised of the work that St Catherine’s does in the community in people’s own homes, as well as their support to other professionals. My Mum was receiving end of life care at East Surrey Hospital and they phoned a Doctor at the hospice for advice on her care which was invaluable.
On the night of Midnight Walk, there is a lot of support from the local community for all the walkers, who are all dressed in the brilliant, bright orange Midnight Walk t-shirts. When I first started doing the Midnight Walk, the t-shirt colours changed each year, so on the 10th anniversary of Midnight Walk I cut up all my old t-shirts and plaited them to make bracelets and headbands to wear on the night, which looked so colourful!
The three words I would use to sum up the Midnight Walk are inspiring, moving and fun. It’s an amazingly well organised night and something very special to be a part of.”
Sponsored by Gatwick Airport, this year’s walk has a brand new 2 mile family friendly route alongside existing 7, 13 or 20 mile walking routes, so everyone can join in.
You can walk as an individual or a group, in memory of someone you love, or for a personal challenge. But whatever your reason for walking you’ll be guaranteed a great night!
Ready to join this inspiring night? Sign up online here, or call St Catherine’s Events Team on 01293 447355. Entry costs £15 and all entry fees include a free T-shirt, finisher’s breakfast and medal.
Let’s go further, together – sign up now.
