The organisation sponsoring Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk event is supporting the hospice in appreciation of the “amazing” care that the loved ones of staff have received.  

NOCN Group, which develops qualifications for colleges and training providers, has been announced as the main sponsor for the hospice’s flagship 10km walk in Chesterfield this summer. 

Thousands will come together to remember loved ones and help fund vital care for families in North Derbyshire on Saturday, 22nd June 2024.   

NOCN Group, based in Sheffield, wanted to support the hospice in tribute to the “extraordinary” support staff’s family members have received in recent years. 

Among them is India Allen, who knows the difference the hospice can make to families, after two of her grandparents received end of life care on Ashgate’s Inpatient Unit at the end of their lives. 

Her grandfather Len Allen died at the hospice in June 2011, while her grandmother Dianne Cropper received end of life care in October 2017. 

India, who works as a Marketing Executive, said: “When my grandpa arrived at Ashgate, the room he was given was far better than we had imagined, and importantly there was a bed for Nan, who never left his side.  

“We were able to visit whenever we wanted, the team were just amazing and regardless of all the other families they were helping, they made us feel like we were the only family going through this sad time.  

“Grandpa deteriorated quite quickly and sadly died with Nan at his side; losing him was – and still is – so painful. We miss him every day.” 

Participants who sign up for the Sparkle Walk between now and 31st March will benefit from a reduced early bird entry fee of £12. After that, the price will increase to £20. 

Entry includes a fundraising pack, a medal, a pink Sparkle T-shirt and a pair of bunny ears to wear during the walk through the streets of Chesterfield. 

India added: “We were so fortunate that Ashgate also provided excellent aftercare, the Supportive Care team visited Nan at home and we are able to revisit the hospice’s Reflections Room too.  

“We are so grateful for the support and care that the team provided, it really was much more than me or my family can put into words. 

“Sadly, my Nana on my mum’s side died six years later. Knowing she died at the hospice brought comfort to our family.  

“Having had the experience we had had with Grandpa; I am in no doubt that she was in the right place and looked after and cared for in the very best way.” 

Ashgate Hospice relies on its supporters to fund £9 million of its income so the hospice can continue to be there for families when it matters most.    

Last year, Sparkle Night Walk raised £317,000 towards the hospice’s care – a record-breaking figure for the fundraiser.  

Alison Ward-Foster, Partnerships Manager at Ashgate Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have the wonderful NOCN Group on board as our headline sponsor for our Sparkle Night Walk in 2024!  

“I’m so glad we were able to be there for India’s grandparents at what must have been such a heartbreaking time for her family.  

“Signing up for our walk and raising sponsorship will help us fund care for families like India’s who will need us now and in the future.  

“We’re so grateful to have the support of NOCN Group and we’re looking forward for months of Sparkle-filled fun ahead of the big event in June!” 

Head to the Sparkle Night Walk web page to register for the 2024 event.