Skip to main contentEnter
Purposeful journalism for people who care about our town
Ipswich.co.uk logoSupport our journalism
News

Hundreds don pyjamas for midnight charity walk through Ipswich

Trinity Park, the hospice grounds, and Ipswich Waterfront were illuminated with over 740 participants for the annual St Elizabeth Hospice fundraiser on Saturday night.

Why it matters: St Elizabeth Hospice provides specialist support for people living with progressive or life-limiting illnesses across the region. The pyjama party-themed Midnight Walk has already raised more than £56,000 for the independent Suffolk charity, with donations continuing to come in.

Crowds getting warmed up ahead of their challenge
St Elizabeth Hospice
Crowds getting warmed up ahead of their challenge

By the numbers: More than 740 supporters participated in this year's seven-mile circular route, which featured a new course for 2025.

What they're saying: "The Midnight Walk is a great event to be part of - it has an incredible atmosphere and brings people together to remember loved ones in a very special way," said James Fox-Golding, Events and Challenges Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice.

"We have done the Midnight Walk many times in memory of Dad who received care from the hospice team at home," said Marie Meecham, who walked in tribute to her father.

"The hospice team are brilliant. Dad was so happy with the nurses who supported him and the care they gave. As a result, we have fundraised for the hospice for many years, so we can give back to the charity and show our gratitude."

How it worked: Starting at Trinity Park Events on Saturday, 10 May, the route took participants to:

  • The hospice grounds, where walkers wrote messages on a special Memory Wall

  • Ipswich Waterfront, where images of loved ones were projected onto the University of Suffolk building

  • Back to Trinity Park to complete the challenge and receive medals

Behind the scenes: The evening was compered by panto dame Paul Leech, with walkers officially starting their journey after a send-off from hospice Chief Executive Officer Judi Newman.

The bottom line: Sponsored by Persimmon Homes Suffolk and supported by media partners GenX Radio, the flagship fundraiser combined a party atmosphere with an opportunity for participants to remember loved ones whilst raising vital funds for hospice services.

Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Attwells Solicitors , David Button Funeral Directors and Ipswich School

News

SEN Santa sessions at Buttermarket this weekend

Santa will turn down the music and limit numbers at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre this weekend after parents asked for calmer festive events for children with special educational needs (SEN).
by
Continue reading →
News

Suffolk researchers test whether singing can treat Parkinson's 'poker face'

Researchers in Suffolk are launching what they believe is the first UK study testing whether musical-theatre-style singing can rehabilitate facial expression in Parkinson's patients – addressing a symptom that affects around 9 in 10 people but has limited treatment options.
by
Continue reading →
News

Woman fighting for life after hit-and-run on Burrell Road

A woman is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after being hit by a car whose driver fled the scene on Burrell Road in Ipswich this morning, with a man in his 30s now arrested in connection with the incident.
by
Continue reading →

Attwells Solicitors , David Button Funeral Directors and Ipswich School

News

Gym manager's childhood inspires hospital toy appeal

A Martlesham gym manager who spent much of her childhood in hospital has launched a toy appeal that has collected nearly 150 Christmas gifts for young patients at Ipswich Hospital.
by
Continue reading →

Attwells Solicitors , David Button Funeral Directors and Ipswich School

News

Police appeal for witnesses after Pearl Road burglary

Detectives are investigating a burglary at a home on Pearl Road in Ipswich on Monday evening, where jewellery and bank cards were stolen and used fraudulently.
by
Continue reading →
Load more content
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Our content is free to read thanks to
Want our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday?

Have you subscribed to our free weekly newsletter?

If you haven’t, you really should. You’ll get our best content delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend. You can unsubscribe at any time, although 99.7% of people don’t.

  • Lee Walker
  • Joe Bailey of Brighten the Corners
  • Mark Hubert
6,630+ people are already loving it