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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.

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