Hospice needs people to get behind annual pyjama walk

We need people to pull on their pyjamas in their local communities to help raise vital funds as we launch our biggest fundraising event with a difference for 2020.

Since 2009, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Girls Night Out has lit up the streets of Bury St Edmunds.

As our biggest event, it has in the last four years seen around 2,000 walkers gather on Angel Hill each time to raise vital funds to support those facing dying, caring and grief.

Due to the uncertain times that we all find ourselves we have had to make some changes to this year’s event due to take place on Saturday, 12 September.

Our fundraising team are busy planning for a new take on the much-loved event, which this year is backed by main sponsor Jaynic, as well as the return of Girls Night Out in 2021.

With details still being finalised, we hope as many people as possible will join us for the Jaynic’s Girls Night Out and complete a walking challenge while adhering to all government guidelines. This could be a six-mile or 11.2-mile route in their local area, or a different distance. 

Jenny Smith, our events manager, said: “At first, it was hard to imagine how our biggest fundraising event, built on community spirit and mass participation, could be done differently.

“What can replace an event that inspires people to raise £200,000 each year?

“During these uncertain times, we have heard and read many wonderful stories of people continuing to make a difference in spite of challenges.

“We hope a virtual version of the walk can be another memorable event and example of the community getting behind an important cause – their local hospice.”

Girls Night Out has continuously raised much-needed funds for the hospice, with last year’s event resulting in an amazing £224,699, which made a huge difference to the charity and the hundreds of families it supports.

For those wishing to register for the event, which is also sponsored by Treatt, Chassis Cab, Sanofi, Greene King and Countryside the developer of Marham Park, there is a £20 suggested donation, and those who want to can also raise extra funds by making their challenge a sponsored one.

The event is also open to all, and we hope families will see it as a fun challenge to do together. 

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all those who have already pledged their support, it is only because of the generosity and kindness of our community and sponsors that we are able to continue. Please save the date and join us. Together, we can make a difference,” added Jenny.

Registrations for Jaynic’s Girls Night Out will open on Friday, 26 June.

During the event’s promotion we are paying close attention to all government guidelines and should the situation change we may need to make further changes.