Chesterfield's little superheroes raise £52,000 for Ashgate Hospice

Ashgate Hospice’s annual Superhero Night Walk brought 673 children and their families to Queen’s Park on Saturday night, raising £52,000 so far for local hospice care.

The one and three-mile walk, which was sponsored by Motan Colortronic Ltd, saw children take to the park in superhero costumes, colourful capes and glowing masks, with families and friends cheering them on along the way.

The £52,000 raised so far is expected to grow, with donations and sponsorship still coming in. Every pound raised will help Ashgate provide specialist palliative and end of life care, alongside support for the people important to them, across North Derbyshire.

For some families, the evening was also a chance to remember someone important to them, with many taking part in memory of someone who had received care or support from Ashgate.

Beth Lane took part in the event with her six-year-old twins, Ivy and Theo. She wanted to support Ashgate Hospice after seeing four close friends receive care and support when their parents died.

"It's about giving back to the hospice," said Beth "They all said how much it meant to have someone there who they could speak to and who could support them."

Beth said the event looked brilliant, adding: "Ivy and Theo are extremely excited and have loved running around popping bubbles. The event is fantastic. Everyone is enthusiastic, everyone is happy and there's lots to do."

Every child taking part received a superhero cape, glow-in-the-dark mask and special finishers’ medal. Ashgate volunteers helped marshal the routes and support families throughout the evening.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice, said: “Queen’s Park was an amazing sight on Saturday night. Seeing so many children and families come together, dressed as superheroes and raising money for Ashgate, was fantastic.

“Thank you to everyone who took part, raised money, volunteered or donated. We’re incredibly grateful for the support, and the fundraising that continues after the event will help us be there for local people when they need us most.”

Ashgate needs to raise around £11 million each year to provide its services across North Derbyshire, with around a third of its funding coming from the NHS. Fundraising events such as the Superhero Night Walk play an important part in helping the hospice meet that target.

The Superhero Night Walk will return to Queen’s Park on Saturday, October 16, 2027. 16 October 2027.

Details of registration will be announced by Ashgate Hospice ahead of the event. Updates will be available at www.ashgatehospice.org.uk.