Starlight Walk raises over £90,000 for St Luke’s Hospice
The streets of Harrow and Brent were filled with colour and emotion on Saturday night as 790 people took part in the Starlight Walk, raising over £90,000 for St Luke’s Hospice.
Starlight Walk, which began and ended at Byron Hall in Harrow Leisure Centre, is St Luke’s biggest annual fundraiser. Formerly known as the Midnight Walk, it was renamed this year to reflect the special atmosphere of walking together under the stars in memory of loved ones and in support of hospice care.
The event village opened at 7.30pm with music, stalls, face painting and warm-up entertainment. At 9pm, participants set off on either a 5 or 9-mile walk through the local streets, many wearing personalised t-shirts and glowing accessories in tribute to those they were walking for.
Chief Executive Lindsey Bennister said: “It was a beautiful evening—full of energy, meaning and togetherness. We’re so thankful to everyone who took part or donated, and to the brilliant volunteers who made the event possible. The money raised will help us continue to provide expert care to people in Harrow and Brent when they need it most.”
St Luke’s provides free care to people with life-limiting illnesses across Harrow and Brent, at home, in its Inpatient Unit, and in the community. The hospice also supports families with counselling, bereavement care, therapies and a 24/7 advice line.
Only 27 percent of the hospice’s funding comes from the NHS. The rest is raised through donations, legacies and community fundraising events like the Starlight Walk.
Volunteers played a vital role in making the event run smoothly. Special thanks were given to Seva Security Group, Baladia Youth Club, Kingsbury Sports Club, Masters Youth Club, Serving The Streets, Baladia Leva Patel Sarvodal (UK), BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London, Shree Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple – Kenton, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury, and Shree Swaminarayan Temple – Willesden, along with many individual volunteers who gave up their time to help.
Lindsey added: “We couldn’t do it without our volunteers and our community. Every pound raised and every step taken on Saturday night helps fund the care and support we provide for local people at the most difficult time in their lives.”
We are also grateful to our event sponsors – Bell Container, GCL , Project DMR and London Wide Roofers – whose generous support helped make the evening possible, and to Rodney Roddss DJ, Avari Events, Tina Fuller, Mayur Catering, Mahaprashad, face painting and Henna artists, St John’s Ambulance, Videorama and Balloon and Party – Fancy Dress Stanmore.
The total raised so far exceeds £90.000, with more still to come in through Gift Aid, cash and cheque donations.
To find out more about St Luke’s Hospice at www.stlukes-hospice.org
