A couple who own a local professional nail brand are backing Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk in memory of their parents who received end of life care at the hospice. 

Sarah and Damien Shakespeare, from Holymoorside, Derbyshire, started their nail product business Magpie Beauty in 2015. 

They have raised more than £40,000 for the hospice over the past four years after four of their close relatives received vital care.  

Sarah’s mum Sharon Cowley-Booker and her grandmother Delia Taylor received end of life care on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in 2021 and 2020 respectively.  

Terry Shakespeare, Damien’s dad, spent his final days at the hospice in 2010, while his mum Pat Shakespeare received end of life care six years before.  

The couple’s business Magpie Beauty will sponsor the fundraiser as it celebrates its 10th year on Saturday 28th June 2025 – and supporters are being offered the chance to sign up at a discounted rate of £10. Just use the code ‘MAGPIE10’.

Damien, 47, said: “We decided to sponsor the Sparkle Night Walk following our own need for the hospice’s services over the years.  

“My mum was cared for on the Inpatient Unit then my dad, followed by Sarah’s gran and Sarah’s mum. It’s so important for us to give back as the hospice is a very special place for us. 

“For me, personally, just knowing that in the last days for both my parents, they were deservedly cared for with dignity and respect is so important. 

“If ever there was an event suitable for Magpie it’s this one – given our brand specialises in Sparkle!  

“In the past we’ve sponsored the t-shirts, Sarah’s walked it, our staff have done it and our children have too. It will be my first time next year so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!” 

Thousands will come together to remember loved ones and help fund vital care for families in North Derbyshire at the Sparkle Night Walk. 

Participants will join in with the party atmosphere at Chesterfield Football Club before walking 10km across Chesterfield – kitted out in flashing bunny ears, pink T–shirts and sparkly tutus. 

They will be helping fund care to support future families like the Shakespeare’s, who “felt so loved” when their family members needed to rely on the hospice, said Sarah. 

Damien’s mum Pat Shakespeare was just 56 when she spent her final weeks on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in 2007 following a diagnosis of bowel cancer four years earlier. 

His dad Terry Shakespeare accessed the hospice’s Day Services before he was admitted to the Inpatient Unit before his death on 27th February 2010, aged 68.  

Meanwhile, Sarah’s mum Sharon received care before dying at the hospice on the same day and in the same room as Damien’s mum, just years later.

She had been diagnosed with sarcoma three years before she died at the hospice on 30 April 2021, aged 60.  

Sarah’s grandmother Delia died the year before on 29 August 2020, aged 76, just months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

“The care was just so special,” added Sarah, 40. “Not just for them, but for our whole family. We just felt so loved. 

“Sparkle in itself is very on brand for us so to be the main sponsor for the 10th year of Sparkle given it’s the 10th year of Magpie Beauty – it just feels like it was meant to be.

“It’s such a magical event; every year we do it we’re just so blown away. Seeing the sea of pink walking down the bypass.  

“I think it’s going to be the biggest, Sparkly-est, and the best one yet – let’s hope we have another year of great weather!” 

Next year’s partnership will coincide with the 10th anniversary of Magpie Beauty while the Sparkle Night Walk will also mark the same milestone.  

Staff at the company will join Sarah and Damien’s family and friends by entering a team in the event’s workplace category, which enables colleagues to come together and support the hospice.  

Participants who sign up for the Sparkle Night Walk using the code ‘MAGPIE10’ between 5 and 15 September will benefit from a reduced early bird entry fee of £10. After that, the price will increase to £12.  

This year a record number of walkers took part and with limited places available at the event supporters are encouraged to sign up before it’s too late. 

Find out more about the Sparkle Night Walk and how you can get involved or sign up. To find out more email [email protected] or call 01246 567250.