It has been a tradition for many years that Willen Hospice Nurses and colleagues line Mile 3 of the Midnight Moo as marshals. It’s our way of thanking our amazing supporters
The Midnight Moo is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. Now in its 17th year, the event sees thousands of people walk 5 or 10 miles at night for Willen Hospice. This year it is taking place on Friday 26 June, from 10pm at Middleton Hall, centre MK and for the 10th consecutive year, is sponsored by Specsavers MK.
Out route is split into miles, each marshalled by around 30 volunteers from a community group or local business, our MOO-vellous Mile sponsors. In recent years, mile 3 has become the ‘Willen Hospice mile’, with staff from all areas of the Hospice spread out along this stretch of the route as Moo-ers pass through Loughton. Each mile has a Mile Leader who coordinates their team of cheerleaders. It is a wonderful way for our walkers to see some friendly faces thanking them for their support and cheering them on.
Volunteering at the Midnight Moo has become a tradition for many, including our dedicated nurses. Jo Adams, our Clinical Administrator and Louise Wallace IPU Lead Nurse are just two of Team Willen that look forward to volunteering at the Midnight Moo. Here they both share their their reasons;
Jo’s story
Jo has been a nurse at the Hospice for 13 years, and has a personal connection to her volunteer work. This is her third year as a Mile Leader for mile 3, a role she shares with her colleague Louise Wallace. For Jo, the Moo event is more than just an evening of fun; it’s a poignant reminder of the care her family received during a difficult time and now part of a family tradition.
“Our evening starts with dinner at The Talbot in Loughton, where we indulge in face paints and glitter before taking our positions along the mile,” Jo recounts. “It’s an opportunity to give something back.
Jo’s first encounter with Willen Hospice was when her first husband was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Over the course of his illness, he was admitted five times and eventually passed away at the hospice.
“Our family will be eternally grateful for the care we all received. Fundraising enables us to continue giving that care to others,” Jo says, highlighting the vital role of community support in sustaining the hospice’s services.”
Louise’s story
Like Jo, Louise is also in her third year of leading the 3rd mile as a marshal. With nine years of experience working on our inpatient unit. For her, volunteering is another way to embrace the values she instils in her team and she wholeheartedly demonstrates her commitment to Willen.
“I volunteer because I feel passionately about the work that we do and the care we provide, It’s also a way of being a role model to the team that I lead. I enjoy the time I get to spend with my team, working towards a common goal while marshalling the Moo. Supporting those who are fundraising for the hospice is very special and thought-provoking. We have a fun time and thoroughly enjoy ourselves!”
Extra volunteers are always needed for the Midnight Moo. Help out at the start, on the route or give out medals at the end – there’s plenty of ways to help! If you would like get involved, please contact events@willen-hospice.org.uk or walk the route instead and sign a team up.
