Sign up sparkle for hospice funds

Walk on your own or team up, like this group did last year

In recent years, the Sparkle Walk has been split into two events, with people choosing between a 5K and 10K walk.

But with parents and children, friends and even dogs enjoying the longer stroll along Cleethorpes seafront, this year will be the first time the walks have been merged into one.

Last year’s event saw a huge celebration as the Sparkle Walk returned post-Covid, with walkers raising thousands of pounds to help support patients at St Andrew’s Hospice.

The hospice needs more than £15,000 each day to continue its work, and every step taken by the Sparkle 10K ‘twilight strollers’ brings further funds to the charity.

West Lindsey resident Jennie Garner, who took part in a previous event, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the walk along the seafront, and there was plenty of entertainment to get us going at the start.

“Everyone had glow sticks and painted faces, some were wearing tutus and some a lot of glitter.

"Some people decided to challenge themselves to complete the course in a set time, while others, like myself, enjoyed the walk and the pleasant evening atmosphere.

“It was nice knowing we were raising money for a good cause and enjoying ourselves at the same time.

“I am in my 70s … if I can do it, anyone can.”

Sponsored by Mariner Packaging, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, September 24, beginning at Cleethorpes’ Pearl Holiday Park, formerly the Beachcomber, where participants can enjoy a fun warm-up and face-painting.

Taking to the streets at 6pm, these trekking fundraisers will be wearing this year’s Sparkle Walk t-shirt to ensure they stand out from the Saturday night crowd.

Entry costs £15 for adults and £10 for children (aged 13 and under), which includes a branded t-shirt for the event, a certificate and a party bag.

To register, visit www.sparklewalk.com or call 01472 571267. St Andrew’s Hospice and Andy’s Children’s Hospice offer a home-from-home environment for patients with life-limiting illnesses, the underlying ethos being ‘Making Each Day Count.’