The Big Midnight Walk 2008
Written by Julia on 31st July 2008After months of training in the Aztec Gym for the Big Midnight Walk for Macmillan Cancer Support and Rowcroft Hospice, waking up on Saturday 7th June 2008 to pouring rain and thunderstorms was not a good sign! Sat at home not wanting to walk the dog in the miserable weather never mind doing the 13mile walk that evening, out of nowhere the rain stopped. Suddenly there was a lovely evening sky, which gave us positive thoughts for the evening ahead.
Turning in to the car park at Clennon Valley the queues had already started, within half an hour the queues were heading out the car park and up the road.
After the warm up, registering and making sure we collected our free Galaxy Chocolate Bar, we were ready to go!
Waiting for us on the seafront at Pier Point Restaurant, friendly volunteers included staff from TLH Leisure Resort, offering hot drinks and flapjacks – much appreciated just before the killer hill up to Babbacombe, which we were approaching.
We received a warm welcome at the Babbacombe Cricket Club with drinks and a generous meal donated by Pasta King…. and of course a well earned sit down.
Proud of reaching the half way mark, we started the walk down towards the harbour. Unfortunately Pier Point had run out of treats for us, so we started on the free Galaxy bar we were given at the start line to give us energy to get back.
I have lived in Torquay all my life and never known Paignton seafront to be so long! We were getting tired now and to make matters worse our torch decided to die just by the park leading down to the beach (which was pitch black at this point). Luckily some other walkers were behind us with a working torch and we headed down to the beach encouraging each other along.
The finishing point was in sight now and I could see my car to take us home – at last!
Welcoming staff at Clennon Valley congratulated us on our efforts and headed us in the direction for food, drinks and most importantly chairs! Rummaging round in our goody bags, it was great to see a voucher for a well-earned spot of pampering in the Aztec Spa at TLH Leisure Resort.
I walked with my Mum and am really proud that we were involved in such a successful event raising over £179,000.00 for Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, which are both charities close to our hearts.
Well done to everyone involved and see you in 2009!
So glad to hear you enjoyed the walk! We are amazed just how much it raised- so well done for being part of it! TLH supported the event throughout and we are very pleased to have had them on board! Here’s to next year!
Just wanted to say that the walk was a very special evening walking with my daughter and remembering the people we were walking and raising money for. Torquay was looking beautiful after a rather worrying wet afternoon! I enjoyed the cookies at Pier Point and the rest and food at Babbacombe cricket club. Looking forward to next year!!! (I think!)