1,000 LADIES ENJOY A NIGHT OF CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS AT HOSPICE NIGHTWALK
Women and girls from across North Devon stepped out the Tarka Trail to enjoy a night of colour, culture, and celebration at this year's carnival-themed Nightwalk.
Women and girls from across North Devon stepped out the Tarka Trail to enjoy a night of colour, culture, and celebration at this year's carnival-themed Nightwalk.
The Tarka Trail shone bright with carnival fun last weekend as ladies from across North Devon strode under the stars at Nightwalk to support local patients and families being cared for by North Devon Hospice.
Taking place last Saturday (17 May), this sponsored ladies’ walk saw over 1,000 women and girls set off from Bideford Rugby Club to take on a 3 or 10-mile walk to either Instow or Barnstaple, with plenty to enjoy along the way. From a brand-new Event Village and first-ever mass start to a vibrant carnival tunnel and silent disco, this was undoubtedly a night to remember in aid of hospice care.
One group of ladies who took part were walking in memory of their friend, Carol, who was cared for by the hospice. “We do Nightwalk every year and this year’s was just brilliant – we absolutely loved it,” they said. “We were walking for our dear friend Carol, who we sadly lost earlier this year. We’ve done Nightwalk together with Carol for the last four years, so it was really important for us carry on the tradition and do it again in her memory. It’s been an emotional night, but the atmosphere has been great and it’s a lovely way to support the hospice.”
As part of this carnival extravaganza, walkers donned a superb selection of colourful outfits and walked in solidarity on this night of colour, culture, and celebration to show their support to families touched by a life-limiting illness. As well as enjoying these brand-new additions to this year’s Nightwalk, many remembered the cause by writing the names of loved ones and messages of love at Memory Bridge, a popular feature of Nightwalk stationed at Fremington Quay.
“What a spectacular evening we had this year at Nightwalk,” said Georgia Bedgood, Events Manager at North Devon Hospice. “To see so many women come together and shine bright in support of local hospice care was so moving and incredibly special. I’d like to thank every single person who stepped out at Nightwalk this year – your fundraising has helped to provide a lifeline of care to hundreds of families in our community at a time when they need it most.”
A big thank you also to all of our wonderful entertainers, caterers, and volunteers who gave up their time to make this year’s Nightwalk one to remember,” added Georgia. “Thank you to our sponsors, including Holiday Cottages, Wain Homes, Kingsley School, Banbury’s, TDK-Lamba UK LTD, Evans Heating & Plumbing, Hatchmoor Nursing Home, Vertu Mini Exeter, and Brend Collection, without whom Nightwalk would not be possible.”
To find out more about Nightwalk or support the vital work of the hospice with a donation, visit northdevonhospice.org.uk.