A record-breaking number of walkers stepped out to turn the streets of Chesterfield pink for the 10th anniversary of Ashgate Hospice’s Sparkle Night Walk.

More than 3,500 supporters took on the annual 10km walk, sponsored by Magpie Beauty, which started and finished at Chesterfield Football Club’s stadium on Saturday 28 June.

This year’s event smashed the previous record of 3,404 participants set in 2024 as a total of 3,500 people turned out to walk for the hospice.

Walkers have already helped raise more than £280,000 to help fund Ashgate’s palliative and end of life care in North Derbyshire, and there’s still more to come, with donations open until the end of July. 

Among those taking part was Nikki Saxton-Maud (38), who walked in memory of her mother-in-law Doreen (71), who died in May 2023 after receiving community care from Ashgate Hospice. 

“They made her feel like the centre of the world,” said Nikki. “I know the nurses have lots of patients, but she was their focus.” 

Nikki took part in the event alongside her daughters, Phoebe and Georgie, raising over £600 so far between them. 

“We did it a few years ago when it was the Midnight Walk,” she added. “It’s grown a bit since then!”

Also walking on the night was Barry Dyke (59), alongside Kelly Dyke (36) and four other family members – Summer, Abbie, Alex, and Marie – all walking for Margaret (87), Marie’s mum, who is living with lung cancer. 

Margaret isn’t receiving hospice care yet, but she has expressed her wish to be at Ashgate when the time comes. The family has raised nearly £400 so far to support the hospice’s future care. 

“The families you support are amazing,” said Barry. “The care you provide is important, that’s why we’re here.

The event saw participants enjoy live entertainment to kick off the party at 7pm before the walk started at 10pm. The first walkers started crossing the finish line at about 11.10pm. 

The 10km route took walkers from the stadium down the A61 bypass, which was closed to traffic, past the Crooked Spire and through the streets of Chesterfield before returning to the football ground. 

Charlotte Butterworth, Head of Fundraising at Ashgate Hospice said: “This year’s Sparkle Night Walk was extra special as we marked its 10th anniversary, and what a way to celebrate. 

“We’ve been blown away by the support once again. Thousands turned out in pink, glitter and bunny ears to walk for someone important to them and raise money for local hospice care. 

“Thank you to everyone who’s been with us over the years and helped make Sparkle what it is today. Whether you’ve done one walk or all 10, you’ve been part of the journey and we couldn’t do it without you. 

“A huge thank you as well to the incredible volunteers who gave their time to help the event run smoothly, and to the brilliant local businesses who supported us with everything from refreshments to entertainment, we’re so grateful. 

“The money raised will help us continue to be there for the patients and the people important to them who need us most, now and in the future.” 

Super early bird registration for next year’s event has opened at £10 per person and more than 400 people have already signed up.  

Entry will be available at a reduced rate until 31 August, with the walk set to take place on 27 June 2026. 

To find out more about next year’s Sparkle Night Walk and to register for the super early bird price of £10 go to: www.ashgatehospice.org.uk/sparkle-night-walk 

Photos by EKR Pictures and Adam LV Photography.