150 volunteers needed for St Catherine's Hospice Midnight Walk

The Pease Pottage-based charity, which provides vital end of life care and support to around 2,000 people across in East Surrey and West Sussex each year, can only run its much-loved and biggest fundraiser thanks to incredible volunteers giving up their time to help throughout the night.

People taking part in the Midnight Walk stroll through the streets of Horsham in a sponsored two, seven, 13, or 20-mile night-time walk.

To support walkers, the main volunteer role is a route guide – keeping walkers safe and encouraging them in their challenge. All volunteers are fully briefed before the event, work in pairs and are kitted out with a torch, a high vis jacket and plenty of snacks!

As well as route guides there are other volunteering roles available, including setting up at the Bridge Leisure Centre in Broadbridge Heath, registering walkers, handing out finisher medals and many more so there’s something to suit everyone.

St Catherine’s is looking for people to help between 2pm and 6am with an average volunteering shift of about four hours. However, any amount of time during these hours is appreciated and will be a significant help. People can request their preferred timings when they sign up and the local charity will try to accommodate these.

Chris Jennings, from Horsham has volunteered an incredible 12 times at the Midnight Walk. He’s getting ready for his 13th shift this year. Chris says: “I started volunteering because my wife Katy was helped at home by a St Catherine’s counsellor when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Katy found counselling a great help and we were all very grateful for the hospice’s support.

“Sadly, Katy passed away in 2008 at the age of 42, leaving myself and my son Adam who was only 14 at the time. Volunteering at the Midnight Walk is my way of saying thanks and giving back to St Catherine’s.

“Being a route guide can be very busy but there’s a great vibe and everyone is happy to be there, and lots of walkers are remembering relatives and friends on the night. It’s a brilliant evening and good fun directing and encouraging people, particularly towards the end when people need some impetus to finish.

“I’d encourage anyone to come along and volunteer. It’s not difficult or onerous – you just have to be awake through the night and be willing to help out, it’s a great way to give back and show your support for St Catherine’s.”

Monika Kerr volunteered at the Midnight Walk for the first time last year. She said: “I volunteered in the main hall with two volunteer face painters. We were near the stage and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. People were singing and dancing and there was a real party feeling as we prepared to send the walkers off on their challenge. It was great to chat to people and inspiring to hear their stories and reasons for taking part.”

If you or someone you know would like to volunteer at the Midnight Walk please email [email protected] or contact St Catherine’s friendly team 01293 447361. Alternatively if you’d like to walk it’s not too late to sign up! Sign up online at: www.stch.org.uk/midnightwalk