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Movie magic at Moonlight Walk
21/05/2023
400 people, including Banbury’s new town mayor, walked for vital funds for Katharine House
Colourful characters brought a touch of movie magic to Banbury on Saturday evening as over 400 people set off on the Katharine House Hospice’s Moonlight Walk.
As the sun set characters from Ghostbusters, the Blues Brothers and Mary Poppins set off on either a six or ten mile movie themed route, raising vital cash for the Adderbury based hospice.
This was the first fund raising event for Emma Radley, Katharine House’s new CEO, who only began her time in the role two weeks ago. She said: “It’s fabulous! I’m incredibly honoured to work for Katherine House and to be here. The team have done such an amazing job tonight and having over 400 people walking tonight – more than last year – is just amazing.”
A group of 22 friends who all attend a Pilates class in Greatworth came along together. Leader Julie said: “We are known as the Bendy Bunch and we do some fundraising every year. This year we’ve all got together to raise money for the Katherine House Hospice.”
Characters portrayed included Grease’s Pink Ladies, characters from Mamma Mia, Cat Woman and Spiderman. The group were expecting to raise around £2,000.
Another team of walkers were friends who had been at Chipping Norton School together. Their costumes were inspired by the movie Sister Act.
One of the team, Rachel, said there was a reason close to their hearts why they were joining in: “We’re the best of friends. We do a lot of things together, especially to raise money for Katherine House. We’re here today to remember our gorgeous friend Lisa Plumbridge, who died of bowel cancer and went to Katherine House. We like to raise money for Katherine House to say a massive thank you for looking after our friend.
Rosie Stewart and her fiancé James Lamb won the accolade of being named having the night’s best costume. They came dressed as Mary Poppins and Bert.
A last-minute decision saw Banbury’s new Town Mayor join the fun. Councillor Fiaz Ahmed had dropped someone off at the sports ground and popped in to offer his support.
Fiaz said: “People started to say, ‘are you going to do it?’ I said, ‘well, why not!’ So I went home to change my shoes and dressed up as an Arab Sheikh.”
He joined the walkers on the 10 mile route. He said: “I hope whoever’s listening, wherever you are, you dig deep. Every single penny counts.”
Hospice CEO Emma Radley knows from personal experience why every penny raised is so important. She said: “I’ve had family use of hospices; my father-in-law died in a hospice; my son went to a hospice – he died in Helen and Douglas House. So I absolutely understand what life a hospice brings.
“It’s not about death, it’s about life and calm and peace for the families and the patients at that time.
“To be able to work with the team, to support them, to deliver the amazing work they do is just an absolute honour.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam