This is one of our charities, St Ann's Hospice's biggest fundraising events of the year. The Manchester midnight walk is a special event that brings families and friends together united in wanting to raise as much money for such an amazing cause. Most people entering have had friends or family benefit from the services at St Ann's and we all therefore have shared experiences of this fantastic hospice.
Madness 4 Mike had their biggest team of family and friends for this event! I decided I wanted us to have a theme that would link us together and keep my dad in our minds all the way around. Therefore I instructed everyone to come in fancy dress to reflect theatre and the musicals!
Let me tell you nobody disappointed! The costumes were ace, and the walk had a fabulous atmosphere and was well organised and supported. We stopped at the memorial area and lit a candle for dad on the way round... it was so emotional to see candles for so many loved ones who were no longer with us, but for whom St Ann's Hospice no doubt made a real difference to by caring for them so well. My dad would have loved this event, everyone coming together to make a difference - and the fancy dress would have had him in stitches. I could feel his smile all the way around. We also took time to remember my Uncle Peter who we recently lost to cancer. His loss was sudden and unexpected and I was really proud of my Auntie Sylvia who found the strength to take part and walk proudly in his memory that night.
The Team (it's a long one!)
Carol Mundy, Sam Mundy, Andy Kent, Sylvia Millns, Elisha Boycott, Laura Drabble, Sue Mundy, Margaret Locke, Harvey Locke, Keith Platts, Janet Platts, Pat Gemmell, Ian Gemmell, Carol Tate, Megan Tate, Andrew Mundy, Frazer Lloyd-Jones, Helen Locke, David Baker, Jenny Morgan, Annie Morgan, Iain Hunt, Val Morgan, Esther Hamer, Joanne Wedderburn, Tariq Wedderburn, Paul Hamer, and possibly a few more I have forgotten!)
Fame/Will We Rock You! Oklahoma! Mary Poppins! Greece! Sound of Music! Cats! And many many more!
My fiance Andy's fancy dress literally stole the night. He dressed as a cowboy from Oklahoma complete with an inflatable horse! He was quite a celebrity on the night everyone wanting photos, car horns beeping around Manchester and we managed to raise via bucket collection an extra £50 for donations on the streets, or for having a photo taken! I was Mary Poppins, but the boots didn't last long - my poor feet had still not recovered from London 2 Brighton and needless to say this event was just too much for the clinging toenails!
The finish was amazing. All the volunteers at the event lined the finishing straight and we all walked in to a round of applause. It was an amazing feeling and a brilliant finish to a wonderful midnight walk.
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