Hospice needs people to get behind annual pyjama walk

#WalkWithUs

In a normal year, in September, a large community of 2,000 walkers would gather in Bury St Edmunds for the Hospice’s Girls Night Out Walk. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible in 2020.

At first, it was hard to imagine how our biggest fundraising event, built on community spirit and mass participation, could be done differently. 

What can replace an event that inspires people to raise £200,000 each year?

During these uncertain times, we have heard and read many wonderful stories of people continuing to make a difference in spite of challenges.

St Nic’s hopes that a virtual version of its annual sponsored pyjama walk can be another memorable event and example of the local community getting behind an important cause - their local hospice.

This year, Jaynic’s Girls Night Out Walk will take place on Saturday, 12 September. We’ve not set a time yet, but walkers should begin and return while it’s light. 

Walkers will put on their comfiest trainers and pyjamas to take on their own walk and use government guidelines to stay safe. The Hospice team will use social media to bring together everyone such as walkers, marshals, sponsors and members of the community. 

Walkers will set a distance and en route share milestones and tributes to loved ones.

While walkers participate, they will feel the warm support of our virtual marshals digitally clapping their posts, also live video hosted by the hospice team will engage with all involved. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be preparing to launch registration on Friday 26 June, with a suggested donation of £20 to sign up and an option for people to collect sponsorship. 

Please start to spread the word! We firmly believe, with your spirit, this could be a special moment for our community which generates much-needed support for those faced with dying, caring and grief. 

Take care and continue to stay safe, please follow the link if you’re interested in some of the initially planned changes to this year’s event. 

Jenny Smith, 
Hospice Events Fundraising Manager