Ashgate Hospice’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Sparkle Night Walk, has once again smashed records – raising more than £385,000 towards end of life care in North Derbyshire. 

The event, which celebrated its 10th year in 2025, has generated an incredible £2.5 million in income for the hospice since it started a decade ago.  

More than 3,500 people dressed in pink t-shirts, pink tutus and flashing bunny ears took part in the 10km walk through Chesterfield on Saturday 28 June – the largest turnout the event has ever seen. 

The total raised so far stands at £385,345 surpassing last year’s previous record-breaking total of £341,854.  

This amount could fund the cost of a bed for critical around-the-clock care for patients with the highest medical need at the hospice’s Inpatient Unit in Old Brampton, Chesterfield for a whole year. 

Jack Wood, Director of Income Generation at Ashgate Hospice, said he was once again “blown away” by the community’s generosity and dedication. 

“We’re absolutely thrilled and incredibly grateful to every single person who took part, volunteered, or donated this year,” said Jack. 

“To have broken the record for participant numbers and fundraising for the third year running is just phenomenal. It shows how much local people care about hospice care and want to make a difference. 

“Every penny raised will help fund expert, compassionate end of life care for patients and families across North Derbyshire – whether that’s in the hospice itself, in people’s own homes, or out in the community.”

Walkers set off from Chesterfield Football Club, taking in iconic local landmarks including views of the Crooked Spire, before returning to the ground to complete the 10km route. 

A record 3,534 participants registered for this year’s event – breaking the previous record of 3,404 set in 2024. 

Thanks to generous support from sponsors and local businesses, including headline sponsor Magpie Beauty, the hospice saved £67,000 in event running costs on the night – meaning even more funds will go directly to patient care. 

Plans are already underway for Sparkle Night Walk 2026, with super early bird tickets now available at a reduced rate of just £10 until Sunday 31 August. 

More than 900 people have already signed up for next year’s event, which the hospice hopes will be its biggest yet. 

Jack added: “We’re already looking forward to 2026. If you missed out this year or want to do it all again, now’s the perfect time to sign up! We can’t wait to see if we can break records again next summer.” 

Ashgate must raise £11 million each year to keep its services running – with less than a third of funding coming from NHS budgets.    

Right now, the hospice can only afford to open 15 of its 21 inpatient beds. 

The 2026 Sparkle Night Walk will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026 – you can sign up now via the hospice website.

Photos by EKR Pictures.