Hundreds of people took part in the Dorothy House ‘Hospice Care Hero Walk’ on Saturday 7th September in the grounds of the Bath Spa University, raising vital funds for the local charity.
The start of the Hospice Care Hero Walk | Photo © Tim Maynard Photography 2019
Walkers of all ages dressed up as superheroes and walked to remember a special person in their life or to celebrate all those providing nursing care, fundraising or volunteering at Dorothy House.
There was a fun warm-up session before the start of the walk featuring Vanessa Clark as Cat Woman and special guest Star Wars characters dressed as stormtroopers and Darth Vader.
The walking routes featured beautiful views, woods, lakes, and a castle and participants chose a 1km, 5km or 10km route that passed through several, hero-themed zones.
To celebrate the walker’s achievements, everyone was invited to join in the after-party for a silent disco and street food and drinks.
The Hospice Care Hero Walk takes over from the Bath Moonlight Walk event which raised over £1m in funds for the Hospice over the last twelve years.
Some of those taking part | Photo © Tim Maynard Photography 2019
The Hospice Care Hero Walk event will help to fund patient care at Dorothy House as the Hospice expects an increase in patient numbers by 2025.
Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House said: “We are thrilled that our first Hero Walk event was such a storming success.
“We loved our special guest storm troopers and Darth Vader from UK Garrison, all the fun and frolics at our Hero Zones and everyone looked amazing dressed up as their favourite heroes.
“Thank you to all the walkers who took part and raised vital funds for patient care at the Hospice.
“Thanks also to all our Hero Zone entertainers and volunteers who supported the event, it’s much appreciated and we can’t wait for next year.”
Katie Anderson, Senior Sister, Inpatient Unit at Dorothy House said: “The Hospice Care Hero Walk was a truly inspirational evening for our nursing staff.
“One family of walkers said they had walked happily all the way and as soon as they saw the Dorothy House nurses they all burst into happy tears.
“They said they were tears of gratitude as they were looking back and remembering the excellent care their loved one had received.
“It was a great honour to see all those walkers walk through the Bubble Zone and for us as a team to applaud them for the support they give to Dorothy House.”
Providing Hospice services free of charge requires significant funds and for every £1 received from the NHS, Dorothy House has to raise a further £5.
To make a donation or send in your sponsorship money, visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk or contact [email protected].
