Dorothy House Hospice Care has received official verification from Guinness World Records that their first ever record attempt at the Bath Moonlight Walk in September was successful.
Dorothy House is now a Guinness World Record Title Holder for ‘the largest gathering of people wearing boas’. This is a brand new record, never attempted before.
In a bid to create the Guinness World Record, nearly 700 ladies supported Dorothy House Hospice Care at their Bath Moonlight Walk event on 10th September.
These record-breaking ladies set off on an 8km adventure around the city to raise funds for Dorothy House’s vital end-of-life and palliative care services for patients and their families.
Some walkers wore frilly tutus and pink bunny ears, many sported pyjamas or onesies but everyone completed their outfit with a pink or purple feather boa.
Before the race began each boa was carefully counted and logged and the number of boas that broke this new record was 675.
To assist with the counting of the boas, a Dorothy House corporate supporter, Barclays, kindly stepped up to the plate and volunteered their services to help with the record’s careful orchestration in view of the high number of entrants.
The extremely organised and dedicated team from Barclays, Southgate Branch in Bath lead by Anna Shiers were tasked with counting, timing and observing the record attempt.
The Barclays team helped to promote the event, raised significant funds and offered invaluable support on the night. The match funding support for Barclays’ employees who helped to fundraise will certainly boost the total sum raised by Dorothy House.
The Bath Moonlight Walk has grown over the years and is now one of Dorothy House’s biggest fund raisers. Last year the walkers raised over £120,000 towards supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.
Dorothy House fundraising organiser Emily Knight said: “We are overjoyed to have broken the record for the ‘largest gathering of people wearing boas’.
“This is the first time Dorothy House has attempted a Guinness World Record and it’s thanks to all our amazing ladies wearing boas and the fantastic team of volunteers, donors and supporters who enabled us to be the first ever group to achieve this record.
“What a way to celebrate 40 years of Dorothy House and the 10th birthday of the Bath Moonlight Walk – we couldn’t be happier!”
David Goodall, Head of Corporate and Business Banking, Barclays, Bath and Bristol, who acted as an impartial observer during the challenge, said: “It was great to be involved in such an innovative event and for such a great cause.”
Helen Trevor, who took part in the Moonlight Walk with her family, said: “It’s amazing to be a part of this Guinness World Record and it makes the night even more memorable for such a great cause. It’s fantastic news!”
The funds donated for the Moonlight Walk will help the hospice to continue supporting over 900 patients each day so keep sending in your sponsorship money if you’re still collecting it.
To help Dorothy House with their fundraising efforts, donate online at www.dorothyhouse.org.uk.