Wilf’s lead helper for Moonlight Walk 2022, Nathan has joined the Fundraising Team to help create family friendly and fun-filled fundraising which still captures that unique spirit of remembrance. Wilf interviewed him to find out more…

What is Moonlight Walk Week 2022?

Anyone can do a walk of their choice during Moonlight Walk week which runs 3^rd – 10^th September this year, or people can sign up to the one-off evening event on 10^th September.

The evening event has a musical send off, celebration stations along the way and we have turned the Bishop Palace Gardens into a sensory light up trail – it’s a real highlight.

Everyone who does their own walk or joins the evening event gets a souvenir t-shirt and supporter pack and this year all walkers will get a commemorative medal too. 

Can anyone take part?

Absolutely! For the evening walk, as long as they are escorted by a guardian kids can join in for the walk, with multiple start times to pick from. The walk is also accessible for wheelchair users and buggies. It is real special atmosphere for all the family, as hundreds of people join in a shared feeling of appreciation for what the Hospice does for families around Chichester and the local area.

If someone chooses to do their own walk during the Moonlight Walk week then we really encourage them to do this with friends, and pets like dogs – we’ve even got a horse called Drifter doing his own Moonlight walk this year! It’s always inspiring to see so many inter generation groups making it a real family affair.

How do people sign up?

Sign up for doing your own walk or joining the evening event is quick and easy at stwh.co.uk/moonlightwalk. You can call 01243 755302 or email fundraising@stwh.co.uk if you prefer. It makes for a special team builder for work teams too. 

What if I can’t make the evening event on the 10^th September?

Not to worry, Moonlight Walk Week runs 3rd – 10^th September, so you can join hundreds of others joining in and doing their own walk in their own place at their own pace. This is the option if you want to take your dog along, or you have a special walk somewhere that means something to you. Amy is one of our walkers who will be walking her dog Sully by her favourite beach in Climping for example.

The important thing is to walk 5 or 10 miles and raise some sponsorship for St Wilfrid’s as we celebrate 35 years of expert care and compassion in the local community. Our nurses are currently working over 300 cases at any one time in Bognor, Chichester, Emsworth, Midhurst, Selsey, Tangmere, Yapton and many more besides. They can only continue to provide clinical and emotional support to those who need it most with all our help.

What are you most looking forward to on the night of 10^th September?

The people. There will smile and laughter, and maybe a tear, but it is always an uplifting experience that fills you with pride and purpose. Beyond the colorful costumes, lights, laughter and music I always remember the touching stories. Every walker tells a difference story about how the Hospice helped them but each and every one shares that unique spirit of heart-felt appreciation.

How is the preparation going for this year’s evening Moonlight Walk?

Very well. Our new starting point at Chichester College offers free parking to all walkers, and this year we will have a food and drink village and other activities at the start and end to really add to the atmosphere.

Pamela who volunteered with us last year said, “The evening was a pleasure from start to finish. The setup was amazing with lovely well organised staff. I knew quite a lot of the walkers… They all though it was such a very special night and something they will never forget”.

We’ve also worked on the end of the walk to give people and even better celebration station to capture the proud moment and to encourage friends and family to be there to share in the good vibes.

Become a super star walker for St Wilfrid’s on September 5 and help make a difference to local lives. Register today or call 01243 755827.