More than 3,500 participants transformed Chesterfield's streets into a sea of pink during the largest-ever Sparkle Night Walk hosted by Ashgate Hospice. The record-breaking turnout has already raised over £250,000 to fund vital end-of-life care services across North Derbyshire.
Participants Walk for Personal Reasons
Dressed in vibrant pink clothing, tutus, and flashing bunny ears, walkers took on the annual 10km night walk to support local care. Among them was Lisa Henry, a teacher from Inkersall Spencer Academy, who walked in memory of her mother, Anne, who passed away from bowel cancer last October at age 74. Lisa walked alongside school colleagues while also remembering Sue, a coworker who died the same year.
Lisa said: "This year was my third Sparkle Night Walk and it was particularly meaningful. I had such a special bond with my mum. She was always laughing and had a great sense of humour. She was hardworking, loving, and happiest when she was surrounded by her family."
Following Anne's terminal diagnosis, her wish was to remain at home surrounded by family, made possible through the hospice's support. Lisa added: "Without Ashgate, we couldn't have cared for Mum at home. They gave us reassurance, support and precious time together as a family. I'll always be grateful for that."
Community Support and Route Details
Another participant, Denise Wain, walked to honour her father, Brian. Denise said: "I'm walking in memory of my Dad, Brian, but this is also for all the other families in the future. We need to support Ashgate Hospice to ensure it can continue caring for others when they need it most."
The atmospheric evening began with live entertainment before thousands of walkers officially set off at 10pm. The route took the crowd from Chesterfield football stadium down the A61 bypass, closed to traffic, past the iconic Crooked Spire, and through the town centre before returning to the stadium.
Fundraising Impact and Future Plans
James Branson, events and community fundraising manager at Ashgate Hospice, expressed immense gratitude: "Thank you to everyone who helped make Sparkle Night Walk such a success - from our incredible volunteers who gave up their time, to the local businesses who supported us and everyone who cheered the walkers along the route. To see thousands of people come together in a sea of pink was simply incredible. Every person there had their own reason for walking, and together they've already raised more than £250,000 to help ensure we can continue providing care for patients and the people important to them across North Derbyshire."
Donations for the initiative remain open until the end of July. Meanwhile, super early bird registration for next year's event has launched at a reduced rate. Anyone interested in viewing photographs from the night or signing up for the next walk can visit the official Ashgate Hospice website.
