Over 1,100 complete Midnight Walk around Ipswich for charity

Participants completed a seven mile circular walk around Ipswich, starting and finishing at Portman Road, the home of Ipswich Town Football Club on Saturday, May 18.

More than 1,100 people took on the Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

Among those taking part was Shelley Fountain and members of her family in memory of her 18-year-old son Mason.

Scarlett and Shelley Foundation completed the Midnight Walk in memory of 18-year-old Mason. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

The late Ipswich Town fan received support from St Elizabeth Hospice and its young adult service Zest. 

She said: “It has been an amazing and emotional evening to be a part of, and one my family and I will never forget.

The University of Suffolk lit up as part of the Midnight Walk 2024. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)More than 1,100 people took on the Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

“The staff at St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest were a fantastic support to Mason, myself and our family, which is why, alongside our friend Louise and my middle daughter Scarlett, I took part in this year’s Midnight Walk.

“It really was an incredible atmosphere and it felt great to be alongside so many other people, joining together in support of this brilliant charity, which makes such a difference to people’s lives, when care and support matters most.”

Walkers were in high spirit for this year's Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

The annual event is now in its seventeenth year and saw 1,150 people take part in 2024. 

More than £100,000 has already been raised with more donations coming in. 

More than 1,100 people took on the Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

Walkers were officially set on their way by hospice chief executive officer Judi Newman, with commentary provided by Gen X Radio.

The Midnight Walk began and finished at Portman Road. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

Walkers of all ages took on the Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

James Fox-Golding, events and challenges manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Thank you and a huge well done to all the walkers, supporters and volunteers who took part in this year’s Midnight Walk and made the event possible.

Walkers completed a seven mile route. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

“It is always a privilege to be part of the team behind the Midnight Walk, as it is such a fun and bright event which brings fun and joy, but one that also unites people and allows them to remember loved ones.

Walkers celebrate as they cross the finish line. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

The Midnight Walk began and finished at Portman Road. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

Walkers head out to complete the seven mile circuit for the Midnight Walk. (Image: Nick Butcher Photography)

“Every penny raised really will make a difference to the hospice’s services as we continue to evolve and expand our care to support more patients and their families across East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.”