By St Andrew’s ‘Sparkle Walk’ promises to light up Cleethorpes
A highlight for the St Andrew’s Hospice calendar, the annual Sparkle Walk has become a popular event for people across the region, wanting to raise funds for the charity.
In recent years, the Sparkle Walk has been split into two events, with people choosing between a 5K and 10K walk, but with parents and children, grandparents, friends and even dogs enjoying the longer stroll along the seafront, this year will be the first time the two walks have been merged into one.
Last year’s event saw a huge celebration as the Sparkle Walk returned post-Covid, with walkers raising thousands of pounds to help support patients at St Andrew’s Hospice. The hospice needs more than £15,000 each day to continue its work, and every step taken by the Sparkle 10K ‘twilight strollers’ brings further funds to the charity.
St Andrew’s Hospice and Andy’s Children’s Hospice offer a home-from-home environment for patients with life-limiting illnesses, the underlying ethos being “Making Each Day Count”. Services include hospice at home care, respite (dependant on Covid-19 restrictions), wellbeing services – incorporating complimentary therapy and craft groups – and Andy’s Amigos, a fun, therapeutic service for children young people, incorporating hydrotherapy and other activities supporting social and emotional development.
Jennie Garner, who took part in a previous event and travelled from near Gainsborough to support the hospice, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the walk along the seafront, and there was plenty of entertainment to get us going at the start.
“Everyone had glow sticks and painted faces, some were wearing tutus and some a lot of glitter! Some people decided to challenge themselves to complete the course in a set time, while others, like myself, enjoyed the walk and the pleasant evening atmosphere.
“It was nice knowing we were raising money for a good cause and enjoying ourselves at the same time. I am in my Seventies … if I can do it, anyone can!”
The event begins at Cleethorpes’ Pearl Holiday Park, formerly the Beachcomber, where participants can enjoy a fun warm-up and face-painting. Taking to the streets at 6pm, these trekking fundraisers will be wearing this year’s Sparkle Walk t-shirt to ensure that they stand out from the Saturday night crowd!
Sparkle Walk 10K 2022 will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Entry costs £15 for adults and £10 for children (aged 13 and under). The price includes a branded t-shirt for the event, a certificate, and a party bag. To register, visit www.sparklewalk.com or telephone 01472 571267 for more information.
This year’s event is proudly sponsored by Mariner Packaging, a local business providing a whole range of packaging solutions to the wider industry. For more information, visit www.marinerpackaging.co.uk
