Record crowd turns out for twilight walk (From Penarth Times)

Record crowd turns out for twilight walk

ORGANISERS of Marie Curie Hospice's third Light up the Night sponsored twilight walk, in beautiful Dyffryn Gardens, have hailed the evening as a huge success.

More than 250 walkers took part in the event of Friday, August 26, to celebrate the memory of someone special and raise money to fund the hospice.

The walk commenced at twilight after a few words and cutting of the ribbon by Lorraine Barrett, Assembly Member and hospice patron.

Walkers made their way through the magical candlelit gardens and woodland, taking time to enjoy the entertainment along the route.

As in previous years, all entertainment was provided on a voluntary basis and included various bands, a storyteller and other performers.

Jon Duckham, regional events manager, said: "After the walk, participants made their way back to the marquee, where Half Tidy performed their blend of varied music and compered an exciting auction of a donated handcrafted garden wheelbarrow planter, which fetched a fantastic 80 from one generous local."

Regional fundraising manager, Adela Shephard, added: "Light Up the Night is a truly special event and everyone involved thoroughly enjoys the evening.

"This year we had a record number of walkers and through the sponsorship money they raised to take part in the walk, we are able to fund the cost of running Marie Curie Hospice Penarth for two days.

"The fundraising team would like to express their sincere thanks to all those who took part in the walk, and particularly to the volunteers and performers who gave up their time to ensure the event was a success. Without their support the event would not have been possible."

A special book of remembrance was created for the event and provided walkers with the opportunity for some quiet reflection and remembrance of a loved one, in the company of Helen Way, Marie Curie Cancer Care's Welsh Nurse of The Year for 2005 and Mary Hindmarsh, Nurse of the Year from 2004.