Midnight Moo unites community and raises more than £100,000 for end-of-life care

On Friday night, 1,000 fundraisers took part in Willen Hospice’s annual Midnight Moo event, sponsored by Specsavers MK.

The Midnight Moo is the charity’s flagships event, and this year it raised over £100,000 to help fund the end of life care and support the charity provides across Milton Keynes

Midnight Moo’ers, complete with flashing headbands, garlands and wings, made for an incredible sight as they completed their 5 or 10 mile sponsored walk across Milton Keynes at night. The event began and finished at Midsummer Place Shopping Centre, with walkers setting off at 10pm. MKFM were broadcasting live with DJ Simon Tuck, complete in inflatable cow costume, getting everyone in the party ‘Moo-d.’ The Good Gym MK led the herd in a group warm up and a representative from the main sponsor, Specsavers MK cut the ribbon on the countdown to 10pm.

Peta Wilkinson, Willen Hospice CEO was amongst the walkers on the night. “The atmosphere at Friday’s event was truly remarkable. You could feel the love for Willen Hospice, and it really drove home the profound impact we have on local families. It was heart-warming to see so many people walking in-memory of their loved ones, as well as those who just wanted to do something incredible to support their local Hospice.

“This year I’ve run in the London Marathon for Willen Hospice and trekked across the Sahara, so of course I had to take part in the Midnight Moo. This is the fourth time I’ve walked it, and it was the best one ever. Thank you to everyone who took part, to all of the amazing volunteers who marshalled along the route, The Good Gym who hosted the half-way make, and our incredible sponsors, Specsavers MK, and our medal sponsors, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, as well as all the mile sponsors and supporters who made this event possible.”

Liz Sparham, whose team raised over £3,000, said “I walked with 10 of us who work and volunteer at the Willen Hospice charity shop in The Point. We wanted to take part and fundraise because we want Willen Hospice to be there for us, should we ever need it.”

People can register their interest to take part in the Midnight Moo 2024 here. The charity will also be hosting its day-time version of the event, the Midday Moo on Sunday 16^th September. Sign up here.