More than 1,300 children and adults got their capes on for Ashgate Hospice’s Superhero Night Walk in Derbyshire.

The walk, sponsored by Motan Colortronic, saw fundraisers descend on Chesterfield’s Queen’s Park for the event on Saturday 19 October.

Participants took on one and three-mile routes from 5.30pm to help raise funds towards the hospice’s care for families across North Derbyshire.

Sponsorship for the event is still rolling in, but the charity hopes to raise more than £50,000 to help fund its crucial palliative and end of life care.

Children taking part donned their favourite superhero costumes, with many families walking in memory of loved ones who had received care at the hospice.

Among those taking part was Victoria Armstrong, aged 27, from Mansfield, who walked with her family and friends, including her four-year-old son, Thomas, who was walking in memory of his Great Aunt Lesley.

Victoria said: “Last year, Ashgate Hospice was there for our family when we needed them most. The support and care we received were incredible, and we were deeply touched by how much everyone did for us. We just wanted to give something back after all they gave to us.”

Also walking was 27-year-old Sophie Lowe from Chesterfield, who walked with her husband Daniel and their five children: Harper, seven, Helen, nine, Hope, three, Harlie, five, and Hudson, who is one. They were walking in memory of Sophie’s Nana, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospice, receiving vital advice and support while in a care home.

Sophie said: “We’re walking for my Nana, who was cared for by Ashgate Hospice. They gave us incredible advice and support before she sadly passed away last month, in September. Ashgate is the only local hospice, and because it’s mostly self-funded, it’s so important that we protect it.”

Also taking part was 33-year-old Kathryn Towndrow from Chesterfield, who was joined by her six-year-old son Logan and her colleagues from CRT Care Services. They walked together as a team to support Ashgate Hospice.

Kathryn said: “As a care company, we see first-hand the incredible impact Ashgate Hospice has on our community. That’s why we’re so passionate about protecting it. Walking together was a great way to raise money for such a worthy cause and do some team building at the same time.”

Every child who registered for the event received a free superhero cape and a glow in the dark mask to wear as they walked the route with family members.

There was a host of entertainment on display including stilt walkers, big bubble displays, live singers and dancers, and more.

Dozens of volunteers gave up their time to support the hospice’s fundraising team to ensure everyone taking part was safe and had fun throughout.

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “After holding our first ever Superhero Night Walk last year we were thrilled to bring it back for a second year.

“Thank you to all of the little superheroes that raised sponsorship money and took part, they all looked absolutely fantastic in their costumes as they made their way around Queen’s Park.

“Everyone at the hospice is so incredibly grateful to all our volunteers, main sponsors Motan Colortronic and many other local businesses for their generosity and support – without them we couldn’t put on events like this.

“The support helps us raise the £11 million we need each year in order to fund our care for families across North Derbyshire.”

Ashgate Hospice’s Superhero Night Walk will be returning again next year with details set to be announced in the near future.

Head to Ashgate Hospice’s website to find out more the hospice’s upcoming events.

Photo credit for header image: Nick Rhodes.