Midnight walkers get back on streets
HUNDREDS of walkers hit the city streets taking on the annual Manchester Midnight Walk.
The St Ann’s Hospice event, sponsored by Betfred, was back in the city centre for the first time since 2019, raising money for local patients.
The charity’s flagship fundraising event, which has raised over £2million since its launch, has become a highlight of the annual calendar, with walkers taking on a loop past landmarks such as the Hilton Hotel, Spinningfields, Manchester Arena and the Northern Quarter.
Crowds were sent off in style with pre-walk entertainment at Manchester Cathedral in the form of a disco, plus live music from The Rock Choir and local band
Throb Love Lace and the Pitts.
The Cathedral stage was hosted by Alan Keegan, the voice of Old Trafford, with St Ann’s supporter Paul Hazelby, who has raised more than £100,000 for the charity, as DJ.
The hospice, which is one of the oldest and largest in the UK, provides care from its sites in Heald Green and Little Hulton, as well as a range of community and outreach services.
Rachel McMillan, chief executive, said: “What an absolutely amazing night, I really can’t thank everyone who took part enough.
“It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to hold the Manchester Midnight Walk in the city centre, and it was actually quite emotional to see everyone coming back together to raise money and have a great night out with friends, family or loved ones.
“People in this city are so generous in spirit and we all know that Mancunians are always happy to pull together as a community in support of others.
“We certainly saw that in the bucket loads this weekend, and I can’t tell you how grateful we are.
“Thanks so much to everyone who took part - we can’t wait until all the sponsor money is in to see how much has been raised.
“I’m sure you’ve done our patients proud.”
For more information on St Ann’s, or to join them at their next event, please visit www.sah.org. uk or call 0161 498 3631.