Glow Orange Night Walk in Hawke’s Bay to support Cranford Hospice care - On The Up

The Glow Orange Night Walk in Hawke’s Bay on May 30 will support Cranford Hospice's $4 million fundraising goal. Photo / Cranford Hospice

A new community night walk supporting hospice care will take place in Hawke’s Bay on May 30, with hundreds expected to join the inaugural Glow Orange event in Ahuriri.

Each year, Cranford Hospice must raise around $4 million to continue providing specialist palliative care, free of charge, across the region, with events like this playing a key role in keeping those services available.

The Glow Orange Night Walk will start at 5.30pm at Perfume Point and finish at the Sound Shell, with participants encouraged to walk, jog or take part at their own pace.

Organisers say the event aims to bring the community together while also raising awareness of the support Cranford provides to patients and families, much of it delivered in people’s homes.

Chief executive Andrew Lesperance says the event brings visibility to care that often happens quietly behind the scenes.

“Glow Orange is a way for our community to come together and make that care visible, to stand alongside patients and their whānau and show they are not alone,” he said.

“Every step taken helps ensure we can continue to provide compassionate care, wherever it’s needed.”

Among those backing the initiative is Hawke’s Bay man Michael, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 61.

He said the support from Cranford Hospice wasn’t about losing independence, it was about not having to face the unthinkable alone.

“Cranford does good stuff for local people. When you give, you can actually see where your money goes,” he said.

Michael’s wife, Michelle, put it simply: “Cranford helps you live your best life.”

The event is open to all ages and abilities, with participants receiving an orange T-shirt and themed accessories. People are encouraged to attend with friends and family.

Organisers say the night walk was made possible by supporters, volunteers and sponsors, including NZME (the publisher of Hawke’s Bay Today), and will help the 258 families who need specialist hospice care each day.

Registrations for the walk are now open at cranfordhospice.org.nz/glow-orange.