Hot and bothering to raise funds for Katharine House

Not The Midnight Walkers step up to the challenge at the Hospice’s first in person event in over a year

In sweltering conditions on Saturday afternoon a couple of hundred walkers put their best foot forward to raise money for the Katharine House Hospice at the Not the Midnight Walk.  

Walkers had a choice of two routes this year – a 6 mile town route or 10 mile country route, both starting from Banbury Rugby Club.

The Not The Midnight Walk was Katharine House’s first in-person event since the pandemic started.

Pam Hamblin and Jo Morley were both smiling as they crossed the finish line.   “I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Pam.   “Everyone’s really friendly and the marshals are great, spurring you on.

“One lady on Oxford Road came out of her house with glasses of water for us.   It was really lovely.”

Jo added, “It was alright until about half way then the legs started to go – and then the heat – so we went into a shop to get a drink and the air conditioning was just amazing!   It was a good challenge.

“It was good out in the fields away from the traffic.”

Four ladies from Oxford Online Pharmacy completed the route together.   They described climbing the hill in Beargarden Road and Bloxham Road as probably the toughest bit.   They took the advantage to “shade hop” to take moments out of the sun and even popped into a shop for ice creams!

The Hospice’s Chief Executive Trevor Johnson was handing out the medals at the finish line.   He said people looked very hot as they completed the route, but also very proud. 

Mr Johnson said: “It’s been fantastic seeing the community turn out.   Its been beautiful weather with so many people engaged with the walk and just having fun.”

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Published: 19/07/2021 05:38pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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