STAMFORD Park and Chadwick Dam were filled with colour, sparkle, and a dusting of community spirit as hundreds of supporters took on Willow Wood Hospice’s brand-new 5km walk with a difference.
Basking in the autumn sunshine, 275 walkers of all ages came together last Sunday, September 21, with friends and family to create lasting memories while raising vital funds to support patient care.
More than £15,000 has been raised so far and there’s still time to boost the total further by making an online donation at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/willowwalk
This year’s Wicked theme brought magic and colour to every step – with costumes ranging from gravity-defying witches and sparkling Glindas to those simply enjoying the day in their own style.
A real highlight was the dazzling Wicked-inspired performances from The Drama Department, who brought the worlds of Glinda and Elphaba to life with showstopping songs and dance numbers that had the walkers and onlookers singing and clapping along.
The hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, also continued its collaboration with local colleges as students from Ashton Sixth Form College made fabulous Wicked-themed paper costumes and students from Tameside College added to the fun by providing colourful face painting.
The 5km challenge offered fun for all ages, including a Trail Tracker quiz, sticker trail, finishing-line treat, and of course, every participant received a well-deserved medal and certificate.
Willow Wood’s mascot Woody the Bear was there to cheer everyone on and Tracy Minshull, CEO of the hospice, cut the ribbon to set the walkers on their way.
Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “It was a fantastic day and the weather was kind to us! It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and walking to support patients with life-limiting illnesses and those closest to them.
“A massive thank you to everyone who took part and embraced the Wicked theme; The Drama Department; our Hospice staff and volunteers; Robertson, HN Nuttall and Set Produce; and Tameside Council for use of the park.”
Keep an eye out for next year’s Willow Wood Hospice 5km Walk – the theme for 2026 will be announced very soon.
It costs £3.6 million a year for Willow Wood Hospice to continue providing its essential services to deliver compassionate care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with a life-limiting illness.
With only around 24 per cent of that total coming from the Government, the hospice relies on the generosity of the community by making donations; organising or supporting fundraising events; donating or buying goods to its charity shops; leaving gifts in Wills; joining the weekly lottery or volunteering.
Anyone who would like to organise their own fundraiser for Willow Wood can get in touch with the hospice’s Fundraising team for support, by emailing fundraising@willowwood.org.uk or calling 0161 330 7788.
