Starlit Walk 2023
A Magical Evening
On Thursday, 26 October 2023, over 230 children and 200 adults took part in the Rowans Starlit Walk at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Starlit Walk is a sponsored walk of either 1.5 or 3 miles, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the iconic sights of the Dockyard by night while remembering a loved one.
Before the evening kicked off, children had the opportunity to meet a variety of characters from Little Hopes and Dreams and Over the Rainbow, as well as getting their face painted by Glitter Fairies.
The Big Noise Samba Band got everyone reared up at the start line with the sound of their drums, followed by a wonderful speech by fundraiser and previous Meerkat Service user, Seren Killpatrick. John Watkins, The Chair of Trustees then thanked everyone for attending and spoke about the various services that are provided at Rowans. The crowd were then treated to a lively Zumba warm-up by Jenna, the ribbon at the start line was cut and the walkers were off on their Starlit Walk.
With the theme this year being ‘Bright and Neon’, it was wonderful to see many of the attendees embracing it and wearing their brightest colours as well as Halloween costumes.
Such a wonderful night, it was our first one, but it won’t be our last!
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our walkers and a special thanks to, Glanvilles Solicitors for sponsoring the event, Hampshire Flags for the banners that helped promote the event, Wellington Vale Care Home for providing the finish line biscuits, Jenna for the Zumba warm-up, The Big Noise Samba Band, Portsmouth City Band, Little Hopes and Dreams and Over the Rainbow for the entertainment, Tesco North Harbour, Waitrose Havant, ASDA Havant, Waterlooville and Portsmouth and Morrisons Victory Park and Anchorage Park for supplying the pumpkins, Greggs Waterlooville for supplying biscuits for the Volunteers, HMS Collingwood for volunteering on the night, L&S Waste for the loan of the High Vis vests, Tech Events, Glitter Fairies, the team at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Rowan the Meerkat, Portsmouth Naval Base, BaxerStorey in Boathouse 7; and all of our wonderful Volunteers.
Your amazing efforts have raised £13,600 so far, which will directly support local Hospice care.
Huge thank you to you and all the volunteers who made the walk possible tonight. My son had the best time!
Can you spot yourself?
If you would like to share your photos with us to help promote the Starlit Walk in the future, please contact marketing@rowanshospice.co.uk. Thank you.
