MORE than a thousand local residents took to the star-lit streets of Harrogate on Saturday night to show their support for local families living with terminal illness and bereavement.
The Engage Mutual Midnight Walk – supported by the Harrogate Advertiser – saw 1,100 people complete a quarter marathon route around the town centre at midnight to raise vital funds for local charity, Saint Michael’s.
Early indications from pledges made on the night are that the event has raised £100,000 – a massive boost for the organisation that needs £2.5million each year to maintain its specialist services.
Organisers are now urging those who took part to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible so a more accurate total can be given.
Tony Collins, Chief Executive of the Hornbeam Park-based charity, said:
“It was an amazing night and the atmosphere of community spirit was overwhelming.With every step, our walkers were making a real difference to local families living with terminal illness and bereavement and their efforts will allow us to continue to respond to the increasing numbers of people requesting our help.”
Walkers were treated to live music from local band The Superlicks and took part in a fun warm up before the countdown to midnight.
Maureen Webber, from Harrogate, said:
“Last year we did it in pink and this year we thought, why not wear wigs? So we are Team Wig. We really make a night of it – we have dinner together before the walk, dress up and come along and have a good time. What is very important to us is that this walk raises money for a local charity and an essential one at that. So we know that the money we raise will be used locally, to help local people.”
The 6.5mile walk took in some of Harrogate’s most famous landmarks including Betty’s Café tea rooms, the cenotaph and the Stray. At the finish line, returning walkers received a medal and certificate before tucking into well deserved bacon butties.
For the third year running, event title sponsors were Harrogate-based financial services provider Engage Mutual Assurance. The Engage Mutual Midnight Walk was also supported by two media partners; Harrogate Advertiser and 97.2 Stray FM.