Participants on the marathon congregated outside the King Power Stadium to celebrate after the runBy Sophie Sandberg
A record number of people took part in last week’s annual Twilight Walk around Leicester.
This year’s carnival-themed walk around the city, organised by Leicestershire hospice LOROS, saw an all-time high of 2,541 women signing up to participate.
The participants of the 10km walk managed to raise over £100,000, which is more than the hospice has ever raised before.
Abigail Jarrom, a LOROS fundraiser co-ordinator, said: “This means that we can continue to provide the services for LOROS and help people in our community.
“Fundraising events like these are vital to our work and we couldn’t continue to do what we do without the help and generosity of the community.
“It costs us £7.7 million each year to be able to deliver our services. In addition to the NHS contributions we still need to raise at least £5,5 million each year through donations.”
A minute’s silence was held in memory of Leah Reek, 18, a LOROS volunteer who died during the tragic Hinckley Road explosion on Sunday, February 25.
Her mother, Joanne Reek, commended the support she and her family have received following her daughter’s passing.
“It has been tremendous, people locally have really got behind us, even those that didn’t know Leah have been in touch,” she added.
A map of the 10k walk
Mrs Reek had hoped to raise £1,000 for the Hospice in Leah’s memory and so far, the family has managed to raise an incredible £17,516.
Each year, LOROS provides care and support to over 2,500 patients suffering from a terminal illness and their families across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.
Click here to leave a donation or text CARE24 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070.
Balloons of all colours illuminated the Leicester sky
