More than 1,500 women took part in an annual fundraising event which has given a hospice in Kenton a £174,000 cash boost.
The kind-hearted ladies, and 200 volunteers, participated in the St Luke’s Midnight Walk on Friday to raise money for the charity in Kenton Road.
Between midnight and 3am, females from the ages of nine to 73 walked nine miles while being entertained by Delicious Crew lady DJ duo, Krupa Entertainment, the Dhol Drummers, the Fitness Team from Everyone Active, and Harrow singer Lisa Lee who got the crowd dancing.
The Shree Swaminaryan Mandir in Kingsbury put together a team of 85 ladies to take part in the walk, and also organised 27 of their members to marshal on the night.
Premila Bhojani, who organised the temple walkers, said: “I did the walk in 2012 and it is amazing how many people want to do this at this time of night.
“We just passed the word round and got people to sign up. We have walkers from the age of 17 all the way to 73. Next year we will bring an even bigger group to support such a worthy cause.’
Vanita Bhavani’s mother died at the hospice last year from kidney failure, she said: “The staff were really supportive and made the experience less traumatic at a time which was very difficult for us as a family. I did the Midnight Walk in 2002 because I wanted to support a local charity and a good cause. But this year I have a bigger connection with the walk and it has much more meaning to me.’
Thanking everyone who took part Pam Russell, St Luke’s director of fundraising, said: “It was amazing to see so many individuals and groups from all sections of the community coming together to raise funds for our patients and their families.
“The walk wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who helped with all aspects of the event, planning, marketing, organising the breakfast, sponsorship and helping out on the night.
“A special thank you to Harrow Police Cadets who helped to set-up the event, to Harrow Special Constabulary and to all of the marshals, including a big groups from the Kingsbury Mandir and the Baladia Community who helped to keep our ladies safe on the night.”
For more information about St Luke’s visit here.
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