Pilgrims Hospices Moonlight Walk - A Night To Remember

The Moonlight Walks are a chance to have fun, support a worthy cause, and perhaps remember a loved one. So, ladies, if you're aged between 12 and 112 you'd better start limbering up, as the following walks will be here before you know it!

Click here to register

We are currently experiencing some problems with our online registration page, although please note that it is working for the majority of people. We are working hard to solve this problem and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please do try to book online if this is the method that suits you best, but if you experience problems you can book over the phone by calling (01227) 782062. Alternatively you can download a leaflet and post your booking to the address provided on the form. If you have any questions or comments please call Clare Sherwood on (01227) 782061. Our apologies again for any inconvenience.

Click here to read about our supporters

DEAL
Saturday 5th June
8km (5 miles) route beginning at Tides Leisure Centre        
10:00pm

ASHFORD
Saturday 26th June
10km (6.25 miles) route beginning at the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet 
10:30pm   

HERNE BAY/WHITSTABLE
Saturday 18th September
13km (8.1 miles) route beginning at the Pier Pavilion Sports Centre, Herne Bay
9:00pm

Picture the scene - the moonlight silhouetting hundreds of women walking together clad in fancy dress, glow sticks in hand, laughter coursing through the group. Imagine the sense of achievement as you reach the finish line, knowing that your support has made a genuine difference to people with life-limiting illnesses.

With earlier start times and an entirely new route introduced between Herne Bay and Whitstable, our Moonlight Walks this year promise to be the best so far. Young girls from the age of 12** can also now get involved, so get your family together, dig out your comfy walking shoes and have a night to remember in support of Pilgrims Hospices.

Last year 1,500 walkers raised £170,000 for Pilgrims Hospices. We were amazed at the turn out for both events and the generosity of our supporters. This year we are aiming high and hoping to reach our target of 3,500 walkers raising £350,000.

The entry price is £15 per person, with a suggested sponsorship target of £100, although all sponsorship amounts will of course be gratefully received. 

**Please note that children between the ages of 12 and 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Groups with under 18s must include at least one adult.

Download your sponsor form now and start raising money! For more details please contact 01227 782062.

Create your personalised sponsorship page on the brand new fundraising site Virgin Money Giving. Click on the logo above to go straight through to their website. Using this system will save Pilgrims Hospices a great deal of money compared to Just Giving, which charges a higher percentage of the dontaions.

You can also become our friend on Facebook by searching for the "Pilgrims Hospices" group profile. 

Volunteers - MEN are not excluded from this event! Although the walk itself is for ladies only, there are many other ways that men can get involved. Why not volunteer as a marshal, help at the registration desks etc. For more information please contact:

Deal and Herne Bay/Whitstable Moonlight Walks: Contact Deborah Kellond on 01843 233934 or email deborah_kellond@pilgrimshospice.org

Ashford Moonlight Walk: Contact Nigel Donkin on 01233 504102 or email nigel_donkin@pilgrimshospice.org. 

We need around 60 volunteers (both men and women) so please get in touch if you are able to help, either during the planning and promotion stages or on the night. Your support is always welcomed and appreciated.  

Top tips to prepare for your walk

Footwear

• Just wear what you find comfortable - trainers or hiking boots.
• You will be walking on tarmac for most of the time so wear footwear that lets your feet breathe as sweaty feet equals blisters!
• It's obvious but don't make this the first outing for your new trainers.

Essential extras

• Water - to keep you hydrated.
• High-energy snacks - your body clock will be telling you its time to sleep when you still have several kilometres to walk.
• Warm waterproof clothing - we are hoping for mild weather but we are in Britain.
• A torch - we can at least predict it will be dark!

Training

• Remember we are all WALKING for Pilgrims Hospices - it's not a marathon. The route is relatively flat so novices should not have too much difficulty. 
• When training, little and often is the key, starting two or three weeks before the walk. We recommend at least three training sessions, two mid week and one at the weekend.  Remember to have a method of contact if walking alone - carry your mobile phone with you and make sure people know where you are and when you are due back.
• For gym users the distance should be no problem, but walking uses different muscles and the amount of walking exercise the average person undertakes is surprisingly little.
• You should start each session slowly and gently, then some stretches before going all out. Finish each session with leg stretches.
• Build up your distance or time. You can use your car to measure the route. The starting point for beginners should be around 1k during the week building up to 3k at weekends. Choose an interesting route, vary the speed of your walk and keep a steady pace, no need for speed walking.
• Finally, enjoy yourself and the fresh air.