Hundreds of walkers didn’t mullet over this summer when they decided to take part in Katharine House’s fabulous Moonlight Walk event.

The 80s-themed extravaganza was a sea of leg warmers, shoulder pads and rara skirts as participants made their way around Easington Sports Football Club on 16 July, lit by moonlight and cheered on by the local Banbury community.

Around 400 supporters registered to take part in the event, which raises more than £45,000 for the hospice each year. 

Rhona Maguire who was celebrating her 65th birthday, asked her family to join her on the Moonlight Walk this year instead of buying presents.

Unfortunately, Rhona fractured her foot recently during an incident with the monkey bars and wasn't able to take part. But she still joined her family for the pre-walk party before they set out on the walk for her. 

"Our team name had to change from ‘Nanny Ro on the go’ to ‘Nanny Ro can’t go’, but I’m so pleased my crew carried on without me.

"Our fabulous local hospice has supported family and friends in an incredible way – not only supporting the patient, but the whole family unit. The support really is something else."

Carla Hicks walked the event with her friends Joanna Jackson and Laura Hawes in aid of everyone that has ever been supported at the hospice.

Carla said: "Katharine House looked after both my nans and my gramp, as well as my mother-in-law in their final days of life. They provide amazing round-the-clock care and it’s such a welcoming place. I think this will be my fifth time walking in memory of them."

It takes more than 100 volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly. One volunteer who has helped organise Katharine House events for the last five years is Gina Coyne, and this year she roped in seven members of her family.

Gina said: "I love being a part of these events! There is nothing quite like watching a long line of walkers weaving their way along a route and that feeling at the end of the night of ‘Job Done’ when the last walker crosses the line. To have been a small part of it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside."

Helen Lerwill, Events Project Manager for Katharine House said: "Well, what a night! The support we received from participants, businesses, community groups and the general public has just blown us away. 

"We’re still struggling to get our fundraising events and activities back to normal following two years of upheaval and it means so much to us that people are still choosing to raise money for the hospice, helping to ensure that Katharine House continues to care for people in their community.

"A massive thank you must go to our hosts Easington Sports Football Club who were absolutely wonderful. We are so grateful to everyone who either supported us or took part, or both!"

Related pages

• Find out more about what goes on behind the scenes at the Moonlight Walk with Gina's Story.
• If you want to take part in a challenge event in aid of Katharine House, visit our Challenge events page. 
• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our For Patients and Families pages.
• To receive regular news about development at the hospice and fundraising events, please sign up to our digital newsletter.