Popular charity event returns to city this September
A much-loved charity event will be returning this September and the team behind it has just announced new features that participants can enjoy as they come together to remember loved ones.
Winchester Hospice’s Purple Night Walk, which raised over £30,000 for the charity last year, returns to the city on Saturday 19 September and will include new features along the route this year as the charity celebrates its fifth anniversary of caring for local people.
Stephanie Walker, fundraising assistant at Winchester Hospice who is organising the event, said: “Feeback from those taking part in our Purple Night Walk over the years has been incredibly positive but we always want to make the experience even better for our supporters. While the traditional format of a memory walk will remain, we’ve enhanced the experience this year to ensure those joining us have an enjoyable time while remembering those they love.”
The walk will start and end at a new location this year to allow for more people to attend. Beginning in the Abbey Gardens, the slightly longer 7km walk will follow a circular path bringing them back to the gardens where walkers will collect their medals.
The charity is also ramping up interest along the route with a variety of light installations and they’re hoping to have live music to help walkers power through to the finish line. If any local acoustic acts would like to get involved, they’re encouraged to get in touch with the fundraising team at the hospice to see which spot might suit them best.
“We’re also delighted that the Mayor of Winchester will be starting everyone off on their walk,” said Stephanie. “We’re honoured to be one of the mayor’s nominated charities this year and we’re excited to have him at the event with us, helping us remember all those special people that mean so much to us.”
Tickets for the event are now on sale and cost just £10 for adults and £5 for children but, as this is a fundraising event, the charity would also be grateful if those taking part were able to raise at least £25 in sponsorship to help fund further care of local people who need their support.
Find out more about the event, and book your place, click the button below.