Over 600 fundraisers took part in Willen Hospice’s annual Midnight Moo, sponsored by Specsavers last Friday night.
A herd of blue donned their Midnight Moo t-shirts with accessories including flashing headbands, garlands and even cow-print tutus and completed either a 5 mile or 10 mile sponsored walk on Friday 15th July.
The fundraising walk raised over £57,000 to help fund the end of life care and support the charity provides across Milton Keynes.
The event began and finished at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, with walkers setting off at 10pm. MKFM were broadcasting live with DJ Simon Tuck getting everyone in the party ‘Moo-d.’ Energie Fitness led the herd in a group warm up and three dancers from Stony Stratford based dance school MTPAS got everyone ‘Moo-ving’ with the fun Moo dance.
Amy Harding, Willen Hospice Lead Nurse was one of eight Willen at Home nurses who joined fundraisers to walk the full 10 miles. Amy says, “This was my 6th Midnight Moo and, as always, it was such a great atmosphere. I proudly walked with members of my team and there were also nurses from our Inpatient Unit cheering us all along at Mile 3. We all wanted to show our support to everyone who comes out and fundraises, we simply couldn’t do what we do without their amazing support.”
Amongst the walkers was Willen Hospice’s CEO Peta Wilkinson. Peta adds “We are so very grateful to everyone who supported our 13th Midnight Moo. I was incredibly proud and delighted to join so many fundraisers, it was spectacular and brilliantly organised and attended.
“We know that many people who took part were doing so in memory of loved ones, many of whom were supported by Willen Hospice. Having our community walk alongside our nurses created a wonderful atmosphere and sense of support.”
“Thanks also go to all the staff and volunteers who worked incredibly hard to make it such a special and memorable event, you were magnificent and helped to make it a joyous and uplifting occasion.”
“Finally, I would like to thank our generous sponsors for covering so many of our costs, enabling us to direct more of the money raised towards our care. We simply wouldn’t be able to organise such a large scale event without them.”
The Midnight Moo is part of the charity’s Summer of Moo which included the Midday Moo on 25th June and ends with the much-loved Mini Moo, a fundraising event designed specifically for younger fundraisers, on Sunday 7th August at Willen Lake North. The event starts at 10.30am and children aged 3 – 11 are invited to scoot, run or walk one or two sponsored laps of Willen Lake North. It costs £10 to enter and each child who takes part will receive an exclusive Mini Moo fundraising pack, cap and medal. There will also be extra surprises on the day, including a tombola, music and Willen Hospice’s very own mascot, Florence Moo will be making an appearance too! For more information and to sign up visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/moo
