Chesterfield’s biggest fundraising event raisies £202,500 for families needing Ashgate Hospicecare

Thousands of walkers geared up on Saturday 1st July to take part in the Markovitz Showroom Sparkle Night Walk for Ashgate Hospicecare. The event, which is now recognised as Chesterfield’s largest, saw over 2,563 people walk 10km around Chesterfield and raise an unbelievable £202,500 for the local charity.

Organisers from Ashgate Hospicecare, alongside hundreds of volunteers, rallied together to ensure the annual walking event, which has become a significant fixture in the local calendar, ran smoothly and exceeded the thrill and sparkle it did the year before.

Maggie Harrison, from Alfreton in Derbyshire, said:-

“I have never done the night walk before but I will now make it an annual event. (Excuse the pun but) it was a very moving experience. Beautiful!”

Eileen Lowe, from Matlock in Derbyshire, said:-

“What an amazing night. Walking down the bypass was surreal, the atmosphere was electric. Thanks to all the volunteers & public who cheered us on. Such a worthwhile cause!”

A number of local entertainment companies and local businesses all added to the event with an array of performances and giveaways, making the whole event a night to remember and one to go down in the history books.

Ruby Pearce, from Britain’s Got Talent’s Perfect Pitch, shared some amazing words for her aunty, Julie Colton, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospicecare. She said:-

“Thank you so much for caring for my aunty.  I am really proud of absolutely everybody out there. Thank you and good luck!”

Charlotte Gratton, Events Fundraiser at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:-

“The event was absolutely amazing. To see everyone so excited and having such a great time whilst raising £202,500 for patients and their families in North Derbyshire made everything worthwhile.”

Nicki Dee, from Chesterfield in Derbyshire, said:-

“An amazing night for an amazing cause. It was a very emotional night with lots of laughs along the way.”

The money raised from the Sparkle Night Walk will go towards providing vital 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.