St Gemma's Hospice Wheatfields Hospice

FAQs 

What time does the walk start?
The walk itself begins at 12 midnight but you can register from 10pm. 

How far is the midnight walk?
The route is 13 miles in length.  [see the full route...] 

Do I need to be fit?
You need to have a good standard of health and fitness to take part in the walk. Please have a look at our training tips to see if you think you will be able to complete the walk. [see training tips...]

Can I take part in the Midnight Walk alone?
Although you can enter the Midnight Walk alone, we recommend that you encourage some friends or family members to take part with you. The route will be well marshalled, signed and well-lit but for your own peace of mind you may like to walk with someone else. You can always meet people on the night to walk with. 

How much money do I have to raise?
All we ask is that you raise as much as you can in sponsorship for either St. Gemma’s Hospice, Wheatfields Hospice or for both Hospices. The average sponsorship raised by the women who took part last year was £175. For some tips on raising money have a look at our Fundraising Ideas [see fundraising ideas...]

Can I take part and raise money for both Hospices?
Yes, you can raise money for both Wheatfields and St. Gemma’s Hospice or, you can choose to raise funds for the Hospice of your choice. Please make it clear on the form who you would like to raise funds for so that we can provide you with the correct sponsor form.

Will there be toilets?
Yes, there will be toilets at the start and finish point as well as at the half way point and along the route too. 

What are the safety precautions on route?
The whole route will be marshalled by volunteers and a minibus will drive up and down the route throughout the walk. There will be a walk leader and a back marker and all volunteers and back markers will be in constant mobile contact with the event organisers. In addition, the emergency services will be notified about the walk and will be aware of the Walk taking place. 

What do I need to wear?
Although it will be getting warmer in May, as the event will be held in the dark, we suggest that you wear layers that you can put on and take off as needed. It may also be wise to take a waterproof coat with you. Your shoes are the most important part of your clothing as you will be using your feet a lot! Wear footwear that you feel comfortable in, this could be trainers or hiking boots. Trainers are comfortable with cushioning on the heel and flexion at the ball of the foot, just where you need it. Try and get ones with a mesh front so the foot can breathe. Sweating and overheating causes the foot to swell and therefore you may be more prone to blisters. Hiking boots offer more support for the ankle if needed but can be expensive. Most importantly, make sure that whatever footwear you decide to walk in are well worn in.

Should I wear trainers or walking boots?
Wear footwear that you feel comfortable in, this could be trainers or hiking boots. Trainers are comfortable with cushioning on the heel and flexion at the ball of the foot, just where you need it. Try and get ones with a mesh front so the foot can breathe. Sweating and overheating causes the foot to swell and therefore you may be more prone to blisters. Hiking boots offer more support for the ankle if needed but can be expensive. Most importantly, make sure that whatever footwear you decide to walk in are well worn in.

Are refreshments provided?
Yes, you will receive a Fitness First water bottle at the beginning of the walk and refreshments will be available at the start of the route and at the halfway point. In addition, all walkers will receive a hot breakfast sandwich at the finish point. 

How can I register to take part in the Midnight Walk?
You can apply online here, or you can print off an entry form here and send it into us. Alternatively, feel free to call Laura on 0113 218 5570 or Hannah on 0113 203 3377.

What happens if I can’t finish the walk?
There will be a minibus driving along the route throughout the walk. If you feel that you are unable to continue with the walk, you must inform one of the marshals who will arrange for the minibus to collect you. 

Is there a time limit for me to complete the walk in?
We expect that everyone will be able to complete the walk within 6 hours. 

Where does the walk start and finish?
The walk starts and finishes at the Fitness First gym on Kirkstall Road. [ see the full route...] 

How can I get my friends and family involved?
Of course, you can ask your friends and family to sponsor you and help you with your fundraising but you could also ask female friends and family members to take part in the event with you or even just to train alongside you; there will be health benefits for you all then. In addition, we require help on the day, for stewarding and marshalling and for helping with the registration area and with refreshments. If you know of someone who would like to help out, please email Hannah or Laura.

How can I get my workplace involved?
You can get your workplace involved by asking them to help you with your fundraising. They may offer a matched funding scheme, they may allow you to do some fundraising such as a raffle, sweepstake or cake sale or they may allow you to add something to your intranet site. You could also ask them to display a poster to encourage other colleagues and workmates to take part. In addition, we do have a range of corporate sponsorship opportunities available. If you think your company may be interested in being involved with something like this, please email Laura or Hannah.


Registered Charity Numbers 1015941 and 1052076

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