More than 300 local people came together on the streets of Bath on Sunday 12th June for the annual Dorothy House Women’s Midnight Walk.

Getting involved in the Midnight Walk | Photo © Dorothy House
The focus this year was to raise vital funds for the Hospice at Home service, which cares for end-of-life patients throughout the night, providing much-needed respite for their families.
A three-year Covid-19 hiatus served only to boost enthusiasm and turnout this year for the fundraiser.
The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Rob Appleyard, gave a speech before Cheryl Sprinkler led the crowd through her classic ‘Mojo Moves’ to get everyone ready to take on the late-night 5k.
Taking to the streets, each woman wore a vibrant pink Dorothy House t-shirt and on the back wrote the name of who they were walking in memory of.
Karleigh Brailey, who joined the walk, said: “I am taking part in the Woman’s Midnight Walk because it takes place on my Dad’s 65th Birthday.
“We sadly last him in March to lung cancer, so it couldn’t have been more fitting! During his final weeks Dorothy House supported us at night and every single nurse we met was so lovely, kind, caring and compassionate.
“Raising funds and walking in memory of my Dad, on his birthday, is the perfect way to celebrate him.”
As the women walked together, they shared their stories and memories of the loved ones they had lost.
Natasha Shadwell said: “We would have been lost without Dorothy House when my husband James passed away in 2020. They were a true lifeline. It is an honour to be able to help support Dorothy House at this year’s Midnight Walk.”
Over 70 Dorothy House volunteers lined the streets to cheer on the walkers and provide support along the way.
Emily Higgins, who took part in the walk, explained how the Hospice at Home care team had helped their family when her Mum was ill. She said: “The night carers were all so lovely, gentle and kind. They really are Angels of the night!
“I have loved taking part in the Midnight Walk, despite it feeling so soon after losing my Mum. The atmosphere and being with everyone really means a lot.”
The event finished with refreshments and the awarding of the raffle prize, a Portobello Tote, donated by Mulberry, which was won by Theresa Thomas.
She said: “Please give everyone involved a big thank you, the Walk was very well organised and a really great atmosphere. I was very lucky to win the Mulberry handbag, I never win anything so that was a lovely bonus.”
The raffle raised £830 and there were final celebrations at the Pavilion before the participants headed home for a rest at 2am.
Another participant, Kelly Clifford said: “I took part in the Women’s Midnight Walk because Dorothy House helped my family beyond words. My Mum, Lisa, had bile duct cancer, and I do not know what we would’ve done without the overnight carers.
“Tonight’s walk was so good! Since my mum died, I want to live the life she lost. I did the walk for her… and it was brilliant!”
Every woman who took part helped raise much-needed funds to allow Dorothy House to continue to provide their free and compassionate Hospice at Home service.
Emily Aspin, the Community and Events Fundraiser at Dorothy House said: “The Midnight Walkers have raised £36,000 so far for the Hospice at Home. We are really pleased and grateful to everyone who took part in this amazing event.
“You walked through the night so that Dorothy House can continue to care for loved ones through the night, and for that, we thank you.”