The Teesside Hospice Midnight Walk is much more than just a charity event – it’s a powerful testament to community spirit and compassion.
The walk takes place tomorrow (Saturday, 22 March) and as night falls over Teesside, participants and volunteers will gather to walk under the stars, united by a common purpose to raise funds and awareness for the vital services provided by the hospice – as well as raising money in memory of loved ones.
The mission of the event is to help families make the most of everyday by creating lasting memories and experiences.
Ellie Garren, Marketing and Communications Officer for Teesside Hospice, said: “By walking 11km through Redcar and Marske in the middle of the night, you’ll be helping create more memories for those living with a life-limiting illness in Teesside.
“After raising an amazing £80,000 in 2024 with over 700 walkers, we’re ready to make this year’s walk even more impactful and fun.”
The hospice exists to support those living with terminal illness, helping people to “live as well as possible for as long as possible”.
It costs £6.5 million annually to run the services that Teesside Hospice provide, which works out at around £18,000 every 24 hours.
“At last year’s Midnight Walk, the average sponsorship raised by our participants was £100,” said Ellie. “Although there’s no minimum sponsorship required, we’re aiming to raise £100,000 this year.”
So how can you get involved?
Supporters are encouraged to sign up for the event and help towards raising funds. You can sign up on the website Midnight Walk | Teesside Hospice or call the team on 01642 811 145 or even sign up on the night! Registration opens at 8pm and all participants are to arrive by 9:30pm to make sure everyone is registered on time ahead of the Midnight Walk.
You can set up a fundraising page which can be shared among friends and family, including why you are taking part in the event if you wish.
Ellie’s advice is to set a target and aim high. Fundraising pages with targets raise 46% more. Make sure to check your progress and update milestones before the event.
Ellie explained how any money raised benefits the hospice.
“£100 can provide four hours of expert nursing care, ensuring dignity, comfort and personal support for our patients in our 10-bed in-patient unit (IPU),” she said. “£250 can help grieving children and young people throughout the year. £300 can fund essential slide sheets for every bed in our IPU. £500 can provide specialist training. £1,000 can fund 40 hours of specialist nursing in our IPU, delivering compassionate person-centered care.”
Ellie said supporters are “ensuring people in Teesside can die with dignity and live as well for as long as possible, surrounded by the best care”.
Sign up today at Midnight Walk | Teesside Hospice.
