Nearly 400 neon walkers from across West Essex and East Herts came together to ‘light up the night’ and dance in the streets in support of St Clare Hospice’s Midnight Walk on Saturday 1 July at The Water Gardens, Harlow.
 
Luminous pink and green outfits set the streets of Harlow aglow at the neon-themed event as walkers of all ages came together to support the biggest fundraiser in the charity’s calendar.

Setting the party atmosphere on the night was Heart Radio DJ and Drivetime lead, Matt Mackay, who performed a lively set of popular feel-good tunes, accompanied by energetic and glow-stick fuelled warm-up provided by dance-themed exercise class Clubbercise.
 
St Clare supporters proceeded in a vibrant parade on both a 5k and 10k route, setting off at 11pm. Participants were cheered on at the 1k mark by local fire-fighters from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service at Harlow Central Fire Station, making for an encouraging show of support.
 
The event organiser, Jamie Hooper, St Clare Fundraising Development Manager, said: "The local community has once again stepped up in support of its local hospice charity, for another year running, with an amazing party attitude."

"This year our Midnight Walkers did the Hospice proud - turning up in droves to support our biggest event of 2017 and helping to raise thousands of pounds of vital funding so we can continue providing our incredible care.”

Thanking all those who took part, Jamie continued: "A huge, warm-hearted thank you goes out from the St Clare family to each and every person who took part in our event, as well as to the dozens of dedicated volunteers and local businesses who provided us with their support on the night. We are so grateful to the Water Gardens who, once again, hosted the event for us and let us party in style!"
 
First back from the 10k route were brothers Lewis and Myles Leverington-Poole from Harlow, who completed it in 1 hour 30 minutes. The pair took part with their mother, Marianne, and were walking in memory of their two Great Nannies.
 
It is hoped that the event will have raised £60,000 once all sponsorship money has been collected - enough to fund the Inpatient Unit at St Clare for two weeks.