Radio stars give backing to charity night walk

A pair of radio presenters are to join hundreds of people taking part in a night walk in Derby, which will raise vital funds for Treetops Hospice.

Jo Russell and Mark ‘Sparky’ Colerangle, hosts of the breakfast show on Hits Radio East Midlands, are backing the Treetops Hospice Moonlight Walk, which will take place on Friday 6 September.

They will start the walkers off at 8pm on their 5k or 10k sponsored walk.

The Moonlight Walk begins and ends at Bustler Derby. The route takes people past some of Derby’s most iconic landmarks and raises money for the Risley-based end-of-life charity.

In a joint statement, Jo and Mark said: “We are thrilled to be involved in the Treetops Moonlight Walk this year.  What a wonderful charity doing amazing work!

“We’ll be there to set people off and we’re bedding in new trainers so we may even walk the route too!  Anything to help the families who need it the most.

“It’s heart-warming to see their work, so we’re proud to be involved.”

The event will feature music, bar and food vendors at Bustler Derby and a fun-filled warm-up by Ultra Events.

There will also be an opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one at Derby Cathedral and hear the cathedral choir performing.

Derby County Community Trust’s Harrison Hub at Pride Park Stadium will be open, providing warm drinks (in return for a donation). Derby County’s mascot Rammie will also be available for selfie opportunities.

Stilt walkers and LED dancers will also be performing along the route, while staff from East Midlands Railway will be out in force offering encouragement and support as people walk through the train station.

Vic Rocca, Treetops’ relationships manager (key events), said: “We’re now on the countdown to what will be an amazing night of energy, fun and celebration.

“It will be brilliant to see our Moonlight Walkers in their t-shirts walking through Derby city centre and know their support is making a huge difference to local patients and families.”

The entry fee for the event is £18, with participants receiving an official Moonlight Walk t-shirt and walker number. They will also receive a medal at the finish line.

Registrations close at midnight on Wednesday 4 September. To sign up visit www.treetops.org.uk/moonlightwalk2024.