1,300 women walk in aid of North Devon Hospice
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More than 1,300 ladies lit up the Tarka Trail and Tamar Lakes on Saturday, as they stepped out for North Devon Hospice at the area’s single largest fundraising event. Nightwalk is a moonlit sponsored walk and Saturday’s event marked its 10th anniversary, which was hailed by many as the best ever.
Ali Hunt, Head of Fundraising at North Devon Hospice, said it was a magical evening. “Since Nightwalk began in 2007 the atmosphere has always been amazing, but I have to say this year seemed to be the best ever. The ladies of North Devon did themselves proud by lighting up the routes with their glowing outfits. They blazed a trail of colour that could probably be seen from space! There was fantastic entertainment along the route including fire performers, aerial artists, dancers and some lovely light shows.”
Surprisingly enough, one of the most popular attractions along the route was the prosecco bar! This was kindly sponsored by Tesco and Ali said that given it was the 10th anniversary, raising a glass for the occasion seemed only appropriate! “Thousands of local ladies have taken part in Nightwalk over the years, so it was fantastic to enjoy some bubbly together and raise a glass to all the good work this event has helped to achieve. It was a real highlight of the night which everyone seemed to love. All in all, I’d have to say this was one of the best Nightwalks ever and we’re so grateful to everyone who made it possible.”
Mole Valley Farmers were once again headline sponsors of this year’s Nightwalk. The event was also supported by North Devon Journal, TDK Lambda, Kingsley School, Fit in 30 gym and Blights Motors.
Organisers also thanked the host of other companies, local groups and individuals who made Nightwalk possible, includin: Tesco Barnstaple, Sainsburys South Molton, Fremington Quay Café, Tamar Trading, Xanadu greengrocers, Ilfracombe Foodservice, Total Produce, Tarka Spring, Torrington Cavaliers, Jerry Bix and his band, Helen Rimmer, Phoenix Morris, Abbeymead Safety Training, Brandit, Movez Maniax, Barnstaple Rugby Club, Bideford Rugby Club, Torrington Cycle Hire, Instow Yacht Club, Speedyhire Barnstaple, Western Event Hire, The Voice Radio, Evans Transport, Samba Baia, Helen Cole Dance Energy, Stagecoach Buses, Youings, Nick Doherty and his lighting team, Merlin Cadogan, Matt Lemon, Valerian Entertainment, Sainsbury Bude, South West Lakes Trust, Holsworthy & District Lions Club, Mole Valley Farmers Holsworthy, Tamar Lakes Parkrun, Rotary Club of Holsworthy, CBM Communications, Medicare South West Limited, Energia Samba, Higher Beings Performance, Lucy and Sally Mann.
All funds raised on the night will go towards the night-time care provided by North Devon Hospice. This is offered both in people’s own homes and at the hospice’s Bedded Unit. Organisers hoped to raise £100,000 through Nightwalk but that target could well be exceeded. “Every pound really makes a difference.” said Ali Hunt. “It was very powerful to think that whilst we were all taking on this sponsored walk on Saturday night, there were patients and families being supported by the hospice facing their own battle. With all funds from Nightwalk going to support our night-time care, everyone was able to think of the people being cared for on Saturday night and the difference we can make to their lives by raising funds. So we encourage all Nightwalkers to collect as much sponsorship as they can, because there are countless families in the future who will need our care and support during the toughest of times.”
Sponsorship money and donations should be sent, preferably by cheque, to: Nightwalk, c/o North Devon Hospice, Deer Park, Newport, Barnstaple, EX32 0HU. For more information contact Gerard Fawcitt on 01271 347224 or email gerardfawcitt@northdevonhospice.org.uk.