Popular Katharine House Hospice flagship event gets ‘virtual’ make-over

Each June, Katharine House Hospice organises a Midnight Walk, Banbury’s biggest fundraising event.

However, with the lockdown restrictions, Katharine House had to postpone this year’s event to September. This gave time to get creative and conjure up some special social distancing midnight magic resulting in a fresh take on the walk for 2020 - Midnight Walk Reimagined.

Unable to hold the usual big Midnight Walk get-together, Katharine House is asking the community to do their own ‘Midnight Walks’, reimagining it however you want, no matter how old or young you are.

It could be a walk wearing pyjamas, getting kitted out in glo-sticks, or fishing out a favourite fancy dress costume. Stride out with friends or on your own, take the dog, walk at night or during the day. Perhaps take some inspiration from one of the hospice’s most enthusiastic Midnight Walk fundraisers.

David Neal has walked 13 Midnight Walks since his mother died from breast cancer and was cared for by Katharine House.

Last year while on holiday at the same time as the big event, David set out on his own Midnight Walk around East Lothian.

He said: “I took my Midnight Walk out on tour last year along with my wife Janice, and had a fine time planning it, meeting new friends, and sharing my experiences on Twitter.

"The walk took us across wildflower meadows, past bemused cows, and over awkward stiles into the night, before finally celebrating achieving our tenth mile with a very welcome bacon buttie. I’m looking forward to being a part of Midnight Walk Reimagined this year and urge everyone to do the same.”

Cherida Plumb, community and events fundraising manager at Katharine House Hospice added: “We are so happy to be able to continue with Midnight Walk this year and not disappoint the community, our supporters and stalwart Midnight Walk fundraisers.

"We’re really looking forward to seeing all your photos, costumes and videos on our Facebook event page as you reimagine your walks.”

However you choose to reimagine your Midnight Walk, all the hospice asks is that you keep it social, go the distance, love your hospice and raise as much as you can to help make every moment matter for local people living with a life-limiting illness.

To ensure everyone can take part, there’s no registration fee this year, but Katharine House is asking everyone to raise a minimum £45 in sponsorship funds. Walks can be at any time from September 10 to midnight on September 19, and can be completed all in one go or a bit at a time.

To join in the fun, sign-up is at www.khh.org.uk/midnight20