Support for Sparkle Night Walk shines out in these photos taken by Tom Hodgson and Nick Rhodes.Support for Sparkle Night Walk shines out in these photos taken by Tom Hodgson and Nick Rhodes.
Support for Sparkle Night Walk shines out in these photos taken by Tom Hodgson and Nick Rhodes.

21 amazing photos of Sparkle Night Walk supporters who put £150,000 shine on Ashgate Hospicecare's funds

Hundreds of people wearing flashing bunny ears lit up the streets of Chesterfield for Ashgate Hospicecare.

The Sparkle Night Walk on Saturday, which attracted 1,600 participants, is expected to raise £150,000 to help fund the end of life care and support the charity in delivering its services across north Derbyshire.

Amongst those taking part was Paula McPherson, 46, from Woodthorpe in Chesterfield, who walked in memory of her mum.

Paula said: “I took part in the Sparkle Night Walk with a group of my friends. We all had our own reasons for walking but mine was in memory of my lovely mum who died from ovarian cancer.

“We all absolutely loved the event; the atmosphere is wonderful, and it is very well organised. It is the second time I have taken part and I can’t wait to take on the challenge again next year.”

Another person who stepped out along the 10k route from the Technique stadium was 60-year-old Jane Abrams, from North Wingfield. Jane walked alongside friends and family in memory of her mum and to thank Ashgate for the ‘incredible’ care she received.

Jane said: “Taking part in Sparkle is just a small way for us to say thank you to Ashgate for all that they have done and continue to do. It is also our opportunity to remember those who are no longer here and let them know that we love them, and they will never be forgotten.

“The event was incredibly emotional, and it was a real privilege to be part of it.”

Carl Jones, fundraising manager at Ashgate Hospicecare, said: “I would like to thank every person who turned out to take on our Sparkle Night Walk, as well as the people behind the scenes, including an army of incredible volunteers and our generous sponsors for covering so many of our costs.

“It was incredible to see people back together again after last year’s Sparkle was a virtual-only event.”

“We know that many people taking part are doing so in memory of their loved ones, many of whom were supported by Ashgate. That shared experience adds to the sense of community and creates a wonderful atmosphere, where people support one another.”

Registration for next year’s event has opened, with the walk set to take place on Saturday, July 9. Sign up for the early bird price of £7 at www.sparklenightwalk.org.uk