Katharine House’s Moonlight Walk was a star-studded affair this week, as movie stars from past and present hit the streets of Banbury.

Ghostbusters, hobbits, Mario and Luigi, the Pink Ladies, Top Gun Mavericks and the Scooby Doo clan were just some of the characters that took part in the Hospice’s flagship Moonlight Walk at Easington Football Club on Saturday 20 May. Early indications are that the event will raise more than £45,000.

This year, the Moonlight Walk went to the movies and nearly 400 hundred walkers completed the 6-mile or 10-mile walk, many of them in memory of a loved one.

Rachael Nixon and Lisa-Marie Mallier walked the 10-mile route in memory of their friend Anna, who died at the hospice in December last year.

Lisa-Marie said: "Anna was a beautiful soul, a loving wife and a devoted mother of two. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone she met. The Moonlight Walk is a beautiful event that brings together people from all walks of life."

Mithun Das Bhaumik, who lives locally to the hospice, was a first timer at the event and signed up after chatting with some of our team at Party in the Park.

Explaining why he decided to take part, Mithun said: "First, I recognise the immense specialist care the hospice provides for adults with life-limiting conditions. Second, the hospice is only five miles away from where I live, so I felt it was a great opportunity to support a great cause, which is so local.

"And third, a long walk is a great way to kick-start a spring and summer full of exercise! It will also be fun to do the evening walk with many others who also understand and appreciate everything Katharine House Hospice does."

Chloe Craughan and her friend Keta Hunt took part for the first time and walked in memory of Chloe’s dad Keith, who died at the hospice last year.

Chloe said: "The hospice was nothing short of incredible. They provided round-the-clock care in beautiful surroundings to my dad, but also showed compassion and care towards myself and family members. I spent my afternoons and evenings with my dad for those five weeks, where I witnessed nurses going above and beyond to support the wishes of a dying man.

"In the last few weeks of his life, he was obsessed with ice cream and the hospice staff ensured he was never without, providing a variety of flavours and allowing him to eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was these small things and the many times they went above and beyond that meant the last few weeks of my dad's life were comfortable for him and allowed me the time and privacy with him as well as peace of mind when I was not there knowing he was cared for 24/7."

Events Project Manager Helen Lerwill, from Katharine House Hospice, said: "It was lovely to see everyone embrace this year’s theme and we absolutely loved seeing the fabulous costumes. This is such an important event to us and raises more than £45,000, so the support of the community is everything to us. Thank you so much to everyone who took part!"

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