Willen Hospice hails turnout for annual Midnight Moo event in Milton Keynes

The Milton Keynes-based charity has hailed the turnout for its annual Midnight Moo fundraising event, which saw over 1,000 people help to raise over £100,000 for the charity.

The event, which was sponsored by Specsavers MK took place last Friday (26/06). Willen Hospice say the fundraising will help fund their care and support for local people affected by life-limiting illnesses.

Walkers gathered at the start of the event at Middleton Hall in the centre:mk shopping centre in an array of cow-inspired fancy dress, ranging from inflatable cow costumes to official Midnight Moo T-shirts as participants embraced the fun-filled atmosphere to prepare for their nighttime challenge in support of the charity.

At the start of the event, local community groups and businesses also came together to build the pre-walk excitement. Local radio stations MKFM and The New Horizon Radio broadcasted live from the start, The Good Gym MK led the warm up and greeted walkers at the halfway mark, and refreshments were kindly provided by Horwood House, DreamSai, AG Barr and Vendmaster.

Following the countdown to the start, walkers set off along Milton Keynes’ redways, where a host of entertainment awaited them. During the second mile, a lively group of samba drummers and a juggler performing with illuminated batons helped keep spirits high, while Willen Hospice’s nurses and staff lined sections of the course to cheer participants on every step of the way.

More than 300 volunteer marshals kept the ‘moo’-mentum going around the route, offering words of encouragement, playing music, handing out sweets and thanking every walker for their support, creating a fun and uplifting atmosphere from start to finish.

Nikki Poole, our Events and Community Fundraising Manager, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in and supported this year’s Midnight Moo, helping to raise vital funds for Willen Hospice. It was another fantastic event, and the money raised will enable us to continue caring for families across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

“I’d also like to extend a special thank you to Specsavers MK. As our headline sponsor, their support helps make the Midnight Moo possible, and it was wonderful to see members of their team taking part in the walk alongside so many other supporters.”

The Midnight Moo will return in 2027 and anyone interested in taking part next year or who still wishes make a donation in support of this year’s walkers can do so through the Willen Hospice website.