St Michael's Hospice Moonlight Walk raises more than £54,000

More than 550 people took part in the event, held in Basingstoke on September 27 in support of St Michael’s Hospice.

Participants donned glitter, glow-in-the-dark tutus, and sunflower costumes as they lit up the town centre in memory of loved ones and in support of hospice care.

Becky Legate, event manager at St Michael’s Hospice, said: "Thank you to everyone who supported our event – by taking part, volunteering, sponsoring the event or donating. Every single person helped us to raise an incredible £54,309 for St. Michael’s Hospice.

All systems glow(Image: Kevin Buckland)

"That’s equivalent to funding just over three days of hospice care. It was truly inspiring to see so many people come together to support their local hospice and each other."

The 10km walk began with a warm-up and a speech from the hospice’s CEO, Iain Cameron, before participants set off from Festival Place.

Many walkers wore messages and dedications to loved ones who had been cared for by the hospice.

St Michael’s Hospice provides free care across north Hampshire for people with life-limiting illnesses, those at the end of life, and families experiencing bereavement.

The charity receives just 22 per cent of its funding from the NHS and relies on the community to raise the remaining £14,500 needed each day to deliver its services.

The Moonlight Walk was sponsored by Penningtons Manches Cooper.

St Michael’s Hospice said that demand for its care is rising and so are the costs.

The charity said that by taking part in events like the Moonlight Walk, supporters help ensure that patients and families receive the care they need, whether at home, in the Living Well Centre, or at the hospice itself.