Local charity, Willen Hospice, is delighted to launch the ‘Summer of Moo’, combining its three biggest fundraising events: The Midday Moo (25th June), The MK Midnight Moo (15th July) and The Mini-Moo (7th August).

The Midday and Midnight Moo challenge local people to walk a 5 or 10 mile route around Milton Keynes, one taking part in the day and the other taking part at night whilst the Mini Moo offers a fun way for younger supporters to get involved.

The Midday Moo is a relaxed affair, starting and finishing at the MK Rugby Club in Emerson Valley, and includes pub stops on route and a finale at The Big Food Festival.

The charity’s flagship event, The Midnight Moo is back for its 13th year with a brand new route.  Starting and finishing at Midsummer Place, the Midnight Moo leaves at 10pm and has a party atmosphere with lots of fairy lights and music.

The Mini Moo, previously known as the ‘Scooterthon’ is an MK family favourite. Children are invited to run, scoot or walk around Willen Lake North.

Peta Wilkinson, Willen Hospice CEO, said “The Moo has become one of Milton Keynes’ most popular fundraising events and we are looking forward to it being even bigger and better this year! We are still feeling the financial impact caused by COVID-19, so our fundraising goal for this year’s Summer of Moo is £125,000 – and knowing our amazing community, I am confident we can reach this target.”

Rachael Withe, Willen Hospice Marketing Manager adds “The Summer of Moo is open to everyone of all ages and abilities and it’s a fantastic way to raise vital funds for your local Hospice whilst having fun with your friends, family and colleagues.  We have some very exciting plans for the months ahead so keep an eye out for our cheeky mascot Flo who will be popping up around Milton Keynes over the next few months and showing her Mooves!”

The Midday and Midnight Moo costs £20 to enter, and includes a Moo t-shirt and medal, and the Mini Moo costs £10, which includes a cap and medal. For the first time ever, keen Moo’ers who sign up before the 1st May can enjoy an early bird discount offer of 15% off, and a group discount of five or more friends will be offered beyond this date.

Sophie Applewhite-Rees, Willen Hospice Events Team Leader, adds, “If you like music, fancy dress and fun I encourage you to sign up with your friends and family and start fundraising for our important cause.  The cost of entry goes towards our running costs but we are on hand with lots of tips and advice to raise sponsorship to help us reach our target.”

Willen Hospice is the only adult Hospice in the local area. By taking part in the Summer of Moo local people can make a difference to when it’s needed most.  The charity’s specialist nurses provide free, holistic care to people at the end of their lives, and to those who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition such as neurological diseases or cancer, as well as comfort and counselling for their family and friends. All of this is provided free of charge to those who need it, but to do all this the charity needs to raise £4.7 million every year, which is why they need the support of the Milton Keynes’ community.

Willen Hospice are grateful to have Specsavers MK as their headline sponsor for the Midnight Moo again this year. If any local organisations are interested in sponsoring a Moo event, they can email corporate@willen-hospice.org.uk

Find out more at www.willen-hospice.org.uk/moo