Moonlight Walk lights up Sevenoaks

Dogs in bandanas, and even a pet cat, accompanied more than 500 people to walk beneath the stars in Sevenoaks on Saturday 15 June in aid of Hospice in the Weald. With four-mile, eight-mile and thirteen-mile routes throughout Sevenoaks and Knole Park, walkers were adorned with colourful wigs, tutus and glitter in celebration of the lives of loved ones cared for at the Hospice.

Lynn Briggs of West Kent Radio met and interviewed walkers at Sevenoaks Rugby Club before they set off, including: the Knight family, 16 of whom were walking or in the case of the youngest, aged 4 months, being carried! Claire Pring, who has taken part since 2009 and is known for her curly wigs; and Hanna Pepe, who, after uplifting music from the Sevenoaks Rock Choir and a warm-up with BoostFitness, also explained to the crowds why she and so many others wanted to take part.

Walkers returned to Sevenoaks Rugby Club to clear skies, a bright moon and a celebratory glass of fizz. This was also a moment for reflection for those adding a star in memory of their loved ones to the memory wall.

‘Team WWs’ was the top fundraising team, raising more than £3,600. Angela Wragg, with 14 others from the widow and widowers support group she founded, said: “After the death of my husband I received counselling at the Hospice which helped me enormously. I was hugely grateful. Our group is known as the Wonderful Widows and we have around 65 members, many of whom have been supported so brilliantly by staff and volunteers at the Hospice. It’s a wonderful place of support, care and comfort not only for our loved ones but also for our extended families. We can’t thank the Hospice enough and it is our way of giving something back.”

Alison Mitchell, Hospice Fundraising Director, said: “It was a fantastic night. Thanks to all who took part in Moonlight Walk, to our main sponsor The Production Hub and to everyone who supported the event through sponsorship, donations or volunteering their time or skills. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, and match funding from the fabulous Freddie Green and Family Foundation, £100,307 has been raised so far, with funds still coming in. Every penny will make a difference to those facing terminal illness and their families when they need it most.”