Midnight Walk, sponsored by Fenwick Colchester, will see hundreds of people walking a four mile or nine mile route through the streets to the north of the city centre, all while raising much needed funds for St Helena Hospice.

While some will be walking for a fun night out with friends, family and colleagues while they raise funds for the charity, others will be walking to remember their loved ones, having seen first-hand where their sponsorship money goes.

Kelly Woodrow has signed up for the Midnight Walk in memory of her mum, Maria Woodrow, who was supported by the Hospice in the Home team from St Helena. Kelly said:

“My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer and was given roughly 12-18 months. It was shortly after this diagnosis that St Helena Hospice began supporting our family at home and we were introduced to our clinical nurse specialist, Di Turner. Di was an incredible part of my mum’s last few months. We will never be able to thank her for everything she did to support and care for our whole family. 

“Having a support network to call upon in times of worry and sadness made such a difference to Mum. Having highly experienced people to confide in, comforted Mum during her darkest times. 

“The St Helena team were ready to support us with anything, anytime; physically and emotionally. In a time when you need kindness the most, they were there. 

“Taking part in the Midnight Walk and raising money for this incredible charity is the very least I can do to say thank you.”

Also set to walk for the north east Essex charity, are Kerry and Matt Hills. Kerry said:

“This is my first time doing the Midnight Walk and it will mean so much to me. We are doing this in memory of my dearest nanna, Rosalie Jaggard, who sadly passed away in May this year at an amazing 100 years old.

“My grandad, Frederick, was looked after by St Helena Hospice with end of life care. My nanna always gave a donation to this fantastic charity every year as a thank you for the amazing help they had given to my grandad. They were fantastic.

“At my nan's end of life, we had just got a care plan in place with St Helena Hospice on the day she passed. She would have been looked after by this amazing charity, and so would we, her family. She would have been so thankful for their help and most definitely deserved their care. 

“So here is to my precious nanna; you are worth every penny, nanna. Me and Matt will treasure this evening in memory of you.”

Both routes will pass St Helena Hospice on Barncroft Close in Highwoods, where people can pause at the memory stop if they choose to.

Anyone over the age of 11 can join in and participants are encouraged to dress in bright colours, as the charity event has a neon theme to light up the night. 

The event starts and finishes at the home of Colchester United, the JobServe Community Stadium, where there will be a fun event village, sponsored by Matthew Douglas, with pre-walk entertainment and warm up, performers, glitter station, food stalls, DJ and more, plus a daring glass and Lego walk challenge.

Midnight Walk sets off at 10pm and participants can arrive from 7pm on the night to enjoy the event village activities.

Visit www.sthelena.org.uk/midnightwalk2024 to register in advance by Tuesday 24th September 2024 at 12.00pm.