Hundreds of women dressed in neon will be taking to the streets of Bath on the night of Saturday 11th June, to remember loved ones and support Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Taking part in Dorothy House’s Midnight Walk | Photo © Dorothy House
After a hiatus caused by the pandemic, the Midnight Walk fundraiser is returning, raising vital funds for the Hospice at Home service at Dorothy House.
The service provides compassionate free of charge care to those at the end of their lives.
Dorothy House carers are there for loved ones throughout the small hours of the night, and this year, women from across Bath and North East Somerset will be walking 5km through the night to fundraise for them.
Maggie Matthews, who has been a Dorothy House carer for thirty years, said: “Almost every family we go in to support always say they can cope in the day, but it’s the nights they struggle with on their own.
“We make the patient comfortable, chat to them, and get them all they need during the night so their loved ones can have a good night’s sleep.”
Dorothy House’s emphasis has always been on caring for people in their own homes.
To continue to fund the service, women aged 14+ are invited to sign up and take on the challenge of the midnight walk around Bath.
Everyone who signs up is asked to raise a minimum of £40 in sponsorship, or they can make a donation in lieu of sponsorship.
Sue Spanswick, a Dorothy House Hospice at Home carer who has taken part in previous walks, said: “It’s the camaraderie of women that makes the Midnight Walk so special!
“The event is always well received in Bath and such a fun thing to do. The Midnight Walk raises awareness of Dorothy House – and as the Hospice is caring for people in their homes through the night, it’s great that the walkers are out at night fundraising for this excellent Hospice care!
“It’s a wonderful way for women to give back and you get that feel-good buzz from taking part.”
Every participant will receive a free Midnight Walk t-shirt to wear on the night. The theme this year is ‘Get glowing in neon’.
Emma Aiken-Jones, whose mother was cared for by Dorothy House, said: “It definitely adds to the atmosphere, the fact it takes place at night in the dark.
“The Midnight Walk is a really nice celebratory way of remembering someone that has benefitted from the work of Dorothy House, while supporting the charity.
“It’s fun and uniting – and a celebration of our loved ones. And actually, walking and talking with other women is really therapeutic.”
The walk will begin at Bath Pavilion at 10pm with drinks, food, games and glowing event merchandise on offer.
Heather Cox a previous participant, is encouraging every woman to take part this year. She said: “All of Dorothy House services are entirely free of charge, everything!
“When my mother was cared for it was free of charge. All the therapies, all the treatments, everything. I wanted to give something back and the Midnight Walk lets me do that.
“It’s so special to walk at night. Everyone is there because they’re linked to Dorothy House and just want to do some good, but most people are walking for a loved one, which is really special.
“So don’t hesitate – just do it and encourage everyone you can to join you. You will have an amazing time and you’ll want to do it again because it is just so magical!”
The Midnight Walk finishes with refreshments and celebrations at the Pavilion before the participants head home at 2am.
You can sign up today by visiting dorothyhouse.co.uk and searching for ‘Midnight Walk’.
