It’s about joining in, helping the community and supporting our local hospice.
Prashant Bhojani first took part in the Midnight Walk in 2017. He now proudly heads up the Apple Tree Warriors Midnight Walk Team, a fitness group made up of like-minded people at the Apple Tree Centre, run by Crawley’s Hindu Temple.
After successfully completing the 20-mile route last year, the Apple Tree Warriors will be returning to support St Catherine’s and complete the event again this year, on Saturday 10 June.
Prashant said: “Collectively we set up The Apple Tree Warriors during lockdown when no one was moving very much. It all began with online yoga classes. We now do three HIIT classes, two yoga classes and a two-hour badminton session every week as well as taking part in parkruns every Saturday and completing different walking challenges – like the Midnight Walk!
“The Apple Tree Warriors is open to everyone of any ability and the aim is to keep people moving, motivated and challenged. The way I see it, if you can’t spend one hour a day, or a few hours a week, moving for you, then who are you going to do it for? Health is wealth!
“We have nine people signed up for this year’s Midnight Walk. We’re doing the full 20 miles for the second time, and we’ve already started our training by walking from Worth to East Grinstead.
“The organisation of the Midnight Walk is fantastic. I literally only have positive things to say about it – I can’t fault it. It’s great fun, it’s safe and well organised – particularly if the weather is kind to you! There are volunteers showing you the way every time you need to make a turn.
“Whether people complete two miles or 20 miles it doesn’t matter. It’s about joining in, helping the community and supporting our local hospice.
“The work St Catherine’s does in the community is phenomenal. My dad was trying to get home from hospital before he died but unfortunately it didn’t happen as he was too ill. If he had made it home, it probably would have been St Catherine’s who cared for him in the community.
“The walk is also an opportunity to do something for yourself as well as for other people. It’s a great thing to do for self-development, to push yourself and have a great experience. It can be a bit gruelling – it is a real challenge, but I’d urge anyone to pick the distance that best suits them and go for it.
“My top tips for the Midnight Walk are to wear a head torch and have some light snacks and of course wear appropriate clothing for the event – I’ve definitely learnt that helps – and make sure the team of people massaging are still there when you’ve finished! The massage you receive once you’ve completed the challenge is the perfect finishing touch!”
To find out more about the Midnight Walk or to register to take part click here.
