#teamHalifax and #teamElland joined forces and took part in Overgate Hospice's annual Midnight Walk on the 12th September and have raised a whopping £680.
The 6th annual Midnight Walk for Overgate Hospice saw almost 1,000 people took to the streets of Calderdale to take on the Overgate Hospice Midnight Walk.
Charity organisers say this made it the biggest Midnight Walk they have ever seen.
The 984 walkers had the choice of taking on a six or 13 mile route, both of which were kept a secret until the night.
Christian Brundell, paralegal in our Halifax commented; "Initially it was particularly surreal to see a congregation of almost a thousand people, many adorned with flashing bunny ears, against a backdrop of Dean Clough and a star filled sky at midnight. I think my cocker spaniel was especially confused and perhaps somewhat perplexed by the whole situation. In terms of the walk itself it wasn’t necessarily a physical ordeal and I got round in just over 3 hours. Obviously the main point of being there was not to compete but to give back to the local community, both personally as it’s my home town but also on behalf of the firm. I think that as employees a lot of us recognise the importance of the firm’s contribution to these events and that’s why we get involved. There can be negativity associated with the stereotypes of lawyers and so in a way besides raising money for a good cause what we’re looking to do by participating is to potentially challenge some of those stereotypes and demonstrate that really empathy does not escape us and we do have a desire to help people, whether we’re at the office or not.
Well done to everyone in Team Halifax and Team Elland for doing their part.
Only other comment is for future participants – it’s a trainers deal so leave the heavy boots at home!!"
Rachel Hiley, legal executive in our Halifax office said: "Thoroughly enjoyed the midnight walk under the stars. The weather was perfect for it. It’s a huge event with over 900 people taking part and who knows how many volunteers, without who, it could not happen. The homemade chicken soup at Luddendenfoot touched the right spot at the right time for the last leg home. Delicious.
A great event in aid of a great cause. The hospice plays a big part in the Calderdale community and most of us know at least one person who has benefitted from the work they do and the specialised care they provide. They need as much help as possible to ensure that they can continue to provide that care."
Heather Nuttall, Associate in our Elland office also commented: "I regularly visit the Hospice and see for myself the vital work that they do. Many of my clients will comment on the superb care that has been provided to family and friends by Overgate. The Midnight Walk gave an opportunity to raise funds in a fun and enjoyable way. We were lucky with the weather and it was a bright and starry, and most importantly, dry night.
There was a great atmosphere setting off from the Leisure Centre and whilst it was slow going at first because of the sheer numbers as soon as we began the first uphill climb the walkers thinned out. It was an interesting route, up through Illingworth and then across to Mixenden and Mount Tabor then coming back along Stocks Lane down into Luddenden Foot and back along Burnley Road into Halifax. We met the last few of the Saturday night revellers meandering their way home in the early hours and got to North Bridge for a well earned cup of tea and bacon sandwich at quarter to four.
Thanks to my walking companion Cheryl and her fabulous dog Basil for the encouragement, especially over the last couple of miles! It was a great experience – looking forward to doing it again next year!"
Michael Robinson, solicitor at our Halifax office and event organiser said: "It is a pleasure to support and raise funds for a local charity. The firm as a whole raise a lot of money for charity and colleagues across all ten offices gladly give up their spare time to support such great causes. The Overgate Midnight Walk is special as individuals from the local community will benefit from the money raised and as a West Yorkshire firm, it is important that we support the local communities and charities. It has already been mooted that we will take part next year and we want to beat our target. #RamsdensCSR.“
Over 100 volunteers gave their time to support what is the hospice’s biggest event of the year, which is estimated to raise £50,000 for the charity.
Walking and raising money were: Michael Robinson, Heather Nuttall, Christian Brundell, Gypsy Goldthorpe, Debra Barton, Jonathan Dixon, Cheryl Corney, Lesley Cropper and Linda Bell.
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