Canterbury sparkled when 800 fundraisers joined in the Light up the City charity walk and run in aid of the Pilgrims Hospice on Friday night.

The Dane John Gardens were aglow as participants gathered for the popular event wearing a variety of illuminated fancy dress costumes, including tutus, luminous leg warmers and colourful wigs.

They were taking part in either a three kilometre walk or a five kilometre run which took in the atmospheric historic city sights.

Organisers were delighted with the turnout and support which they say raised around £16,000 - enough to pay for 800 hours of nursing care.

There was a carnival atmosphere as participants gathered in the park as the sun went down with Mark Kent of Lifestyle Fitness Canterbury and his team of instructors warming up the crowd with a fun aerobic work-out.

There was also face painting, a fancy dress contest and homemade food and drinks served by local stallholders, including cakes and brownies from Lola and Company and warming soups and stews from the Don Juan café who donated 10% to the hospice.

Joining in the walk for the first time were a team of friends from Canterbury Christ Church volleyball team led by Lena Nagl. She said: "It’s a brilliant local charity and a fun thing to do as a group outside our usual sporting activities."

A group of ten nurses from the hospice and their families, including children and grandchildren, were also among the walkers.

Registered nurse Debbie Todd said. "We all feel it is important for us to continue to spread the word about the work we do at the hospice. It’s always a magic moment when the ward staff arrive at the Dane John Gardens to rounds of applause from local supporters."

A team of 50 marshals from Forest of Blean Rotary Club kept Pilgrims supporters safe on the route. Wim Van-Vuuren who coordinated them said: "This is a fantastic way for us to support the wonderful work done by Pilgrims Hospices and be visible in the heart of the community."

New for this year was the opportunity for supporters to donate £3 to the charity by text, which gave the fundraising a boost.

Afterwards hospice community fundraising manager Deborah Kellond said: “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us. The event really lit up Canterbury.
"It means a huge amount to all of our staff, volunteers and those who need our hospice care. We also want to thank our sponsors Furley Page Foundation, Mann Countrywide Lettings and Seaward Copy Shop whose support helped us to defray our costs."

Visit www.pilgrimshospices.org for more information or text LUTC15 £3 to 70070 to donate.
See more pictures in this week’s Kentish Gazette.