For 15 years our headline fundraising event, the Midnight Moo, has been a much-loved tradition in Milton Keynes. Named after the iconic ‘concrete cows,’ the Midnight Moo is a night-time sponsored walk through the heart of our city, with options for 5 or 10 miles. Each year, participants come together to walk, laugh, cry, and honour the memories of their loved ones, all while supporting the vital work of Willen Hospice.
This year, we have more time and even more room for you to join the herd. Our Moo HQ, located in Middleton Hall in Centre:MK, will serve as the lively start and finish point for 2025’s unforgettable night of cow-themed fun.
The Power of Love
It’s difficult to capture the emotions that fill the air as Midnight Moo participants gather in Central Milton Keynes, ready to embark on their 5 or 10-mile walk through the night. The atmosphere is a unique blend of tears, laughter, excitement, and anticipation, all wrapped in light- up accessories and cow-print. It’s a celebration of life, love, and remembrance, and you truly need to experience our event to understand its full impact.
The Journey of Grief
Grief changes everything. When someone close to us dies, things can feel unfamiliar and lonely and the weight of that loss can be overwhelming. For some, the act of taking action and channelling their grief into a physical challenge provides comfort and a sense of purpose and healing.
Each year, Laura walks the Midnight Moo with friends and family in memory of her mum. She carries a balloon with her mum’s photo as a symbol of remembrance and creates new memories. Through this tradition, Laura has found a way to honour her mum’s legacy while supporting a cause that meant so much to them both. Read Laura’s story
“As a family we’ll forever be grateful for Willen Hospice and understand how much their service is needed. Wherever we can we will always support Willen Hospice as our number one. No words can ever express our love and thanks.”
Each year, the Midnight Moo brings together hundreds of local people like Laura, each with their own story. The memory board on the night is filled with heartfelt dedications. Grief can often feel like a lonely journey, but on Friday 20 June at 10pm, we walk together.
Solidarity
Last year, more than 1,200 people joined us to walk, raising over £110,000 to support Willen Hospice and our vital work. By uniting in this shared mission to care for Milton Keynes together, we help ensure that future generations can live well, die well, and receive the care they deserve whether that’s at home or in the Hospice.
In 2024, 86% of patients received our specialist care in their own homes, thanks to the support of our Willen at Home team. However, this essential service is entirely funded by donations, as it receives no NHS funding.
If just 20% of Milton Keynes residents contributed £20.25, we would have enough funds to support Willen at Home throughout all of 2025.
This year, we’re inviting even more people to join the herd and take on the 20.25 Challenge. Encourage your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to sponsor you £20.25 to help us continue providing the care that so many local families rely on at the most difficult time of their lives.
Join Us in 2025
As we approach the Midnight Moo 2025, we ask you to consider walking in memory of someone you’ve lost or to support someone who’s walking in memory of their loved one. Together, we can keep the legacy of those we miss alive while helping other local families when they need us most.
