St Ann’s Midnight Walk goes virtual during lockdown
FAMILIES IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD CAN TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE TOGETHER, IN THEIR LOCAL PARK, BACK GARDEN, OR INSIDE THEIR HOME
EACH year more than one thousand volunteers take to the city’s streets, past iconic landmarks and monuments to raise vital fund for St Ann’s Hospice.
The Manchester Midnight Walk is an important event which not only raises money for a worthwhile cause but celebrates Manchester’s heritage.
Many locals turn the moonlit march into a fun and exciting occasion, dressing up in bumblebee costumes and other wacky attire to liven up the walk as all funds raised from the event are donated in aid of St Ann’s Hospice patients.
But this year, when the Covid-19 pandemic threatened to cancel the event, organisers were forced to come up with a creative way of raising funds within lockdown.
Eamonn O’Neal, St Ann’s chief executive, explains: “The coronavirus has meant many of our fundraising events and activities have had to be postponed or cancelled, and as a charity whose front-line care for patients and families is more important than ever, this is obviously an extremely challenging time.
“Feedback from those who have signed up to take part in the Manchester Midnight Walk is that they would be really disappointed if they were unable to complete it, so we’ve come up with a way for them to do so whilst keeping safe.”
The event will now take place as a virtual walk, with participants asked to complete either 5kms pledges in one day or 10kms through one week as part of their permitted daily exercise, any time in June.
Families staying under one roof or communal households are welcome to take on the challenge together, in their local park, back garden, or even inside the house. Those completing it receive a commemorative medal and t-shirt.
Eamonn added: “We couldn’t be more grateful to all of the people who have got in touch and offered support by donating goods and funds to the hospice, especially at this really difficult time.
“I’m really proud to be part of a team that is working hard to ensure that our specialist support for patients can continue, pulling out all the stops to ensure we can do so.”
The Manchester Midnight Walk has raised more than £2million for the charity since it launched thirteen years ago.
Organisers are hoping participants of this virtual walk will don their yellow t-shirts, and take on the challenge in an attempt to raise a target of £50 in sponsorship for the hospice each.
The event is sponsored by Betfred, who are long-term supporters of the hospice. Group head of marketing at Betfred, Gemma Strath-Billington, said: “It’s an honour for Betfred to be sponsoring this fantastic event for the sixth year.
“The hospice is very close to Fred’s heart and his support has been a huge benefit to the hospice. The St Ann’s Team work endlessly to ensure that this event delivers on its fundraising goals. Good luck to all the walkers taking part.”
All those already signed up to take part in the Manchester Midnight Walk can automatically take part in the Manchester Virtual Walk, and the hospice is hoping many other local people as possible will register to join them to raise vital funds during this difficult time.