Thousands sparkle for Ashgate Hospicecare

Hundreds of volunteers kept the annual Blundells Sparkle Night Walk running smoothly, which also featured live music and an array of performances.

Leanne Collings from Clay Cross, near Matlock, who took part in the walk, said: “The walk was absolutely brilliant. There was so much effort put in from both the organisers and participants. I was so proud to be part of something so fantastic for our community.”

Emma West from Chesterfield was walking in memory of her uncle, John West. She said: “I was near the front of the walkers and it was amazing to look back and see the sea of flashing bunny ears. The whole night was high-spirited and luckily, the weather held good and stayed dry.”

Donna Lowe, from Old Tupton in Chesterfield, who was walking in memory of both her step mum and step dad, added: “I enjoyed the night second time round and will be doing it again next year for sure.”

Ian Appleyard, director of Blundells Letting and Estate Agents, said: “The event was superb and it was great to see all the hard work put in really pay off for the hospice. Everyone seemed to have a brilliant time and we understand that participation and fundraising exceeded expectations.”

The money raised from the Sparkle Night Walk will go towards providing specialist palliative and end of life care across North Derbyshire and the High Peak and Dales. The Hospice provides its services free of charge to patients with any life limiting illness, and extended support to patients’ families.

Ashgate Hospicecare events fundraiser, Charlotte Gratton, said: “The event was absolutely amazing. To see everyone so excited and having such a great time whilst raising money for patients and their families in North Derbyshire made everything worthwhile.”