INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: Hundreds take part in incredible return for St John's Hospice Moonlight Walk

Monday, 17 June 2024 10:33

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Around 850 people took part in the Moonlight Walk 2024 for St John's Hospice

The return of the St John's Hospice Moonlight Walk was an incredible night as more than 850 walkers took part.

The walk returned on Saturday night after a year's absence as people gathered at the hospice on Slyne Road to walk nine miles around the local area, many of them doing so in memory of loved ones.

More than £48,000 has been raised to date from Justgiving page donations alone with the final total expected to exceed that considerably.

Walkers wore the green colours of the Lancaster hospice and stopped off at a green-lit Lancaster Castle for a poignant gathering en route.

People were able to add their loved ones' names to a mural at the castle and on a 'Memory Lane' on Morecambe Promenade.

Lily Knight from the fundraising team at the hospice, said: "I am overwhelmed in the best way possible.

"It's been an incredible evening and so much better than we could have ever ever ever expected.

"That amount of money is insane. That's just from people setting up Justgiving pages and sharing to their family and friends, and not even including the traditional sponsorship forms. So that will skyrocket when everyone hands that money in. I'm really looking forward to the full amount."

The full final total is due to be announced in July.

Before setting off, participants were warmed up by Chelsea from CW Fitness, and entertained by the Beyond Radio team, Jennifer's Dancers, and Sarah the stilt walker!

Our reporters Luke Edmondson and Mat Cook joined the walkers during their late-night route around the Lancaster and Morecambe district.

LISTEN to Stuart and Judith talking about taking part in the walk

LISTEN to Elly and Dan, who got married at the hospice, talking about the walk

LISTEN to Jean from St John's Hospice reception (pictured below with Luke Edmondson from Beyond Radio)

LISTEN to Catherine Butterworth, director of income generation at St John's Hospice

LISTEN to Lily Knight from the fundraising team at St John's Hospice

LISTEN to Mat Cook (pictured below with Beyond Bear) talking to walkers and volunteers en route during the Moonlight Walk

St John’s Hospice is a local charity which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions. The hospice's services cover a population area of 250,000 people in North Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire. The hospice team has been caring for our community since 1986.

You can DONATE to St John's Hospice HERE.

Here are more photos from the Moonlight Walk 2024.

You can find more photos at the Beyond Radio Facebook page.