St Luke’s Hospice hosted their annual Midnight Walk last Friday, which saw over 1,100 ladies marching the streets of Harrow to raise funds for one of North West London’s prominent community hospices.
The walk was officially started by one of the Founding Members and Chief Patron of the Hospice, Lord Dolar Popat.
The annual walk first started in 2008 and has been growing in size year on year ever since. Participants came together from all communities, backgrounds, abilities and ages to take part in specially coordinated 5 and 9 mile walks around Harrow.
Speaking at the start of the walk at Bryon Hall, Harrow Lord Popat said,
“The Midnight Walk is more than just raising money. It brings together various communities of all ages and backgrounds to support a local institution which seeks to help everyone.”
“I was delighted to see so many participants take part – but I want to see more people come forward to support St Luke’s which is open to everyone.”
The Hospice is currently open to everyone with an incurable illness, providing invaluable care, not just to patients, but support for family and carers. St Luke’s has become a haven for people to die with dignity and is heavily subscribed.
St Luke’s was founded by a number of community leaders and began by funding two nurses in the community. In 1990, the first Day Care Service, followed by the opening of their In Patient Unit at Kenton Grange in 2000. Over the years the community has raised millions of pounds to maintain the Hospice, including through their charity shops. This week a new charity shop was also opened in Ealing Road.
All care is provided free of charge. Patients can be cared for at home, the Patient Unit, or attend the Woodgrange Day Centre for day therapies.
Newly appointed Chief Executive of the Hospice Aparna Malde said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed organising the Midnight Walk this year. It is inspirational to see the amount of help and support that we get from all our dedicated volunteers, marshals and committee members to make this event run smoothly year on year.”
This year’s Midnight Walk raised £180,000 for the Hospice.
