Families are being invited to dress up, light up and take part in a fundraising walk through Boston Spa as Martin House Children’s Hospice brings its Glow Together event to the village on Saturday 14 November.
The event starts at 4.30pm at Stables Lane Park, where families can enjoy activities including face painting, lantern making, fairground games and a dress-up photo booth. Hot food will also be available.
A lantern parade through the park will launch the walk, with families then following a circular route around the town and stopping at a series of glow points, including the Martin House shop.
Participants will receive a special token along the route before returning to Stables Lane for sparklers, marshmallow toasting and surprise entertainment.
The event aims to raise money for Martin House, which provides specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, across West, North and East Yorkshire.
Katy Hughes, Regional Events Fundraiser at Martin House, said:
This is a really fun, fully accessible family event, with lots of activities to enjoy on the night. But there is also a serious message – we Glow Together to show that no family has to walk through the dark alone.
Children will also be able to collect a message from the hospice’s mascot, Marty Bear, to take back to Martin House.
Katy said the event encouraged children to raise sponsorship, knowing they could help other children who need hospice care.
It costs £10 for adults and £2.50 for children to take part. Children are also encouraged to raise sponsorship ahead of the event.
Katy Hughes added:
Raising £100 means that worried parents could have a consultation with one of the specialist doctors at Martin House if their child is unwell.
Martin House supports around 550 children and young people and their families each year, as well as around 200 bereaved family members. Its services include planned short breaks, symptom management, emergency care, end-of-life care and bereavement support.
The hospice says it costs £13 million a year to provide its care, with most of the funding coming from voluntary donations and fundraising.
The event is supported by headline sponsor Taylor Wimpey.
Families can find further information and register to take part at www.martinhouse.org.uk/glowtogether.