Moonlight walk through Knole Park in aid of Hospice in the Weald raises £53,000

AN IMPRESSIVE 756 walkers descended on The Vine in Sevenoaks recently to take part in Hospice in the Weald’s Moonlight Walk.

Many of the walkers wore fancy dress and stopped for selfies along the way.

The walkers – some with children’s buggies and others with dogs – were set on their way at 7pm by former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman. They then followed an eight-mile route through Knole Park. Many of the families and friends taking part were walking in memory of loved ones cared for by the Hospice.

With a popular strawberry stop and other refreshments available on the route, walkers’ spirits remained high despite the grey weather. The event raised £53,000 for the Hospice, with many supporters fundraising in memory of their loved ones.

Debbie Oliver, Hospice supporter and volunteer, raised almost £2,300 in memory of her partner Mark, who was cared for by the Hospice. She said: “Moonlight walk and my other fundraising activities forms part of Mark’s legacy, which is so important to me. I want to raise as much as possible for the Hospice.”

Simon Lee, the Hospice in the Weald Chairman, who also took part with his family, thanked the walkers for their support and fundraising efforts.

Michelle Winstone, Relationship Fundraising Co-ordinator, said: “The support for this event is fantastic – the atmosphere was brilliant and all of our supporters have done so well with their fundraising. Every penny they raise will help local patients in need of end of life care. The Moonlight Walk is becoming a real calendar staple and we are already finding ways to make next year’s event even bigger and better.”