Saint Michael’s midnight walk set to return to Harrogate after nine years

Harrogate’s midnight walk in aid of St Michael’s Hospice is set to return this year after a nine-year break.

The event, the Midnight Glow Walk, will be held on September 21 and will start at 10pm from Ashville Sports Centre.

The 10km route will take supporters across the Stray, around Harrogate Town Centre, and through Valley Gardens, with walkers finishing around midnight, again at the sports centre.

St Michael’s Hospice is a care charity that provides care and support to people affected by terminal illness in the Harrogate district.

The charity is hopeful that over 1,000 walkers will join the walk. It will be in tribute to the thousands of families Saint Michael’s supports each year.

The event is open to everyone and can be walked in tribute or just for the fun. Hospice supporter, Philippa, will be taking part in the Midnight Glow Walk in tribute to her husband, Ivan, with the couple’s two daughters Sofia and Liliana aged 10 and six.

In 2016, aged 45 Ivan was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. By the time the diagnosis was confirmed, the cancer was too advanced for treatment

Philippa said;

“It was the hardest part of our lives but that five weeks at Saint Michael’s enabled us to have special time as a family. We felt very fortunate. Ivan used to say ‘Don’t count the days – make the days count’’ and Saint Michael’s helped us to do that. Saint Michael’s Hospice is a very special place for us.

“The care they gave Ivan in his last five weeks was fantastic and really took the pressure off; it let us be a family and make some very happy memories – for this we will always be very grateful.”

“We can’t wait to take on the Midnight Glow Walk. Taking part in events for Saint Michael’s and raising any amount of money is really important. The hospice doesn’t just take wonderful care of the patients they really are there for the whole family immediately and for however long you need their support.”

Ivan (left) and Phillippa with their daughter Sofia.

The event hub at Ashville Sports Centre opens from 8.30pm, with pre-walk entertainment and refreshments. The walk will begin with a staggard start from 10pm.

The event is non-competitive and is not timed, and participants are encouraged to take their time and soak up the atmosphere.

Saint Michael’s vital services includes caring for people living with terminal illness in their own homes, and at their Hornbeam Park-based Crimple House Hospice. Specialist bereavement and emotional support service Just ‘B’ is part of their family of services, supporting children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire.

Sign up to take part here.

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