It was a record breaking year at this year’s LOROS Twilight Walk with 2,700 people taking part, raising more than £90,000 for the Hospice.
With an Under the Sea theme, a multitude of jellyfish, sharks, fish, scuba divers and mermaids took to the streets of Leicester to raise money for LOROS.
The 10km route, which started and finished at Leicester’s King Power Stadium, was led by BBC Editor Emma Agnew, who hosted the evening, along with her best friend and BBC East Midlands Today presenter, Anne Davies, who is also a Patron at the Hospice.
“The Twilight Walk was all about friends and family coming together for one cause and me and Anne were just two best friends reflecting that on stage, walking together and having a laugh,” said Emma, whose dad, Chris Norris died at the Hospice more than 10 years ago.
“As soon as we crossed the finish line, the first thing we said was ‘we’re doing this again next year’.”
Emma has recently celebrated being a ‘year cancer-free’ and says that this time last year, the thought of walking 10km seemed like an impossible dream.
“Somebody said to me before the event, you won’t feel like it’s 10km and they were right, it really didn’t,” she said.
“Anne and I were nattering the whole way round and we were talking to other people who were taking part, even though we’d never met them before.
“It was just the best way to spend a Saturday night, I couldn’t think of a better way.”
With 146 volunteers supporting the event, the Twilight Walkers were joined by dancers from Arabesque Dance School, local singer Kade Smith and stilt walkers to get them warmed up ahead.
Samba band, Sambando and Dohl Drummers were both along the route providing entertainment for the walkers, with a team from Knightsbridge Estate Agent giving that extra energy boost to those taking part by handing out chocolate.
“The volunteers were amazing too, not just those who took part,” added Emma.
“We were dancing with them and they were cheering us all along on the way.”
In an attempt to go greener, this year’s event saw the balloon release replaced with a bubble release, which gave participants the chance to remember their loved ones.
Fundraising Co-ordinator Abi Jarrom, who organised the event said: “It really was an amazing night, with a fantastic atmosphere.
“We are so grateful to all of those who volunteered and helped make the event success, as well as the thousands who walked.
“We can’t wait to see you again next year, for our tenth Twilight Walk.”
For all of the details on next year’s extra special tenth anniversary Twilight Walk, including what the fancy dress theme is, sign up to the Hospice’s e-news by visiting loros.co.uk/signup
