Women walk for loved ones

Hundreds of women unite for Hospice care

On Saturday 17^th June, hundreds of local women flooded to Redcar and Marske seafront for the region’s biggest, ladies only, sponsored walk.

The 11k walking challenge saw women from across the region come together for Teesside Hospice’s 10^th annual Midnight Walk. The ladies, dressed in pink, walked along Redcar promenade to Marske and back again, pledging over £50,000 in sponsorship for their efforts.

The girl’s night out began with feel good music from TFM, exciting competitions and giveaways. There was also a Midnight Walk raffle, with the first prize winner receiving a £150 gift voucher for Pandora, plus a fun photo booth and face painting.

The ladies warmed up for the event in style with the very talented Toni McGlone from Clubbercise Teesside. Upon completing the walk, all participants were presented with a well done pocket mirror, a much needed hot drink and a delicious sausage bun.

Many of those taking part wrote personal messages on their back signs as the night represented a deeper meaning for them. One of the walkers, Karen Smith, completed the challenge in memory of her best friend, Tanya Harvey, who passed away at Teesside Hospice following a short battle with cancer.

Karen said, “Tanya’s diagnosis was a devastating shock and she declined very quickly over a short period of time. In August 2016 she was admitted to Teesside Hospice for end of life care. Understanding her situation Tanya had looked in to the options available to her and Teesside Hospice was where she wanted to be – not only for her own care but because of the services her family and friends could access afterwards.”

Karen continued, “The care, facilities and staff at Teesside Hospice are amazing and it is all set within a beautiful building and surroundings. They couldn’t do enough for Tanya and were so accommodating to her family and friends. It’s because of this that myself, my daughters, Tanya’s daughter Caitlin, her other best friend Sarah, family, friends and work colleagues decided to take part in the 2017 Midnight Walk to honour her memory. It’s a way for us all to come together for a very special person whilst raising funds for a very special place. We have all raised sponsorship and know that this will help to make a real difference to other local families who are going through the unthinkable.”

Marketing and Fundraising Manager, Debbie Coulson, said “We can’t thank the ladies enough for coming along and showing their support for Teesside Hospice. It is only with their help that we can continue to provide our care to the local community for those that need it most. I would like to say a special thank you to everyone that helps to make the Midnight Walk possible, particularly Redcar and Cleveland Council for sponsoring the event. Another thank you goes to Redcar and Cleveland College for hosting the event once again! We are always so grateful for your continued support”.

Next year's event will take place on Saturday 16^th June 2018. If you would like to take part please register below.

2018 Entry Now Open