Solstice walk a night to remember for hospice

St Giles Hospice 's Enchanted Solstice Walk was a special night to remember for hundreds of walkers, thanks to a 'magical ' change in the weather.

After a day of continuous heavy downpours, the charity 's dedicated fundraisers assembled in Lichfield for the annual event, bracing themselves for a thorough soaking.

But just as the moment arrived to set off on the walk the rain stopped and the clouds parted to reveal a double rainbow.

More than 600 fundraisers flocked to join the event, which returned to the city for the first time since 2019 with a new enchanted theme, a new venue - Lichfield Rugby Club - and a new route, after being unable to take place over the past two years due to Covid-19.

Chloe Hope, head of fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “We 've called this year 's Solstice Walk an 'enchanted ' event and that 's exactly what it became.

“With all of the fun and entertainment we had planned, we didn 't want the rain to put a dampener on our evening but we couldn't believe our luck when it suddenly stopped just before the walk started. First we got a rare double rainbow and then the Lichfield sky was lit up an incredible orange colour - it really was something special! ”

Entertainments included face painting, hair styling and stilt walkers, along with live music, food and drink, before everyone joined together for a moment of reflection which saw the sky filled with bubbles to remember loved ones.

Supporters then lined the streets of Lichfield to cheer on wave after wave of walkers, who set off along the 10k new route.

Chloe added: “It was wonderful to be able to finally bring back our midsummer fundraising spectacular and offer a warm welcome to so many familiar faces among our solstice supporters - we 've really missed you over the last couple of years!

“We really couldn 't stage this fantastic event each year without the incredible support we receive from you all and it was great to see so many people lining the streets to cheer on the walkers and add to the magical party atmosphere. ”

Chloe added that St Giles Hospice needs to raise £850,000 each month to provide the care and support we offer to our patients and their loved ones.

If you'd like to take part in next year's Safari Solstice Walk please visit www.stgileshospice.com/solsticewalk for further details.

If you'd like to volunteer at any of our future fundraising events, email [email protected]

Pictured: Walkers during the Enchanted Solstice Walk