Wrexham: Hundreds take part in Nightingale's Midnight Walk
Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham was transformed into a sea of sparkle, colour and compassion on Saturday (June 7), as hundreds of supporters came together for Nightingale House Hospice's annual Midnight Walk, one of the charity's most loved and emotional fundraising events.
Walkers turned out in bright clothing, flashing bunny ears, glowing flower necklaces and light-up tutus for the late-night event.
Many were walking in memory of loved ones and to raise vital funds to help Nightingale House continue delivering free, expert care for people living with life-limiting and progressive illnesses.
Participants could choose between a 5k or 10k route, both flat and fully accessible, winding through the streets of Wrexham.
Before the official midnight countdown for the walk to begin, the crowd was treated to live music from local favourites Rhythm Train, followed by a high energy warm up led by Freedom Leisure.
One of those taking part this year was Carole Jones, who walked alongside her daughter, Mollie, in memory of her mum, Jacqueline Jones.
Mollie and Carole Jones (left) walked in memory of Jacqueline Jones (right). (Image: Nightingale House Hospice) Carole said: 'My mum came to the hospice with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones.
'The care she received was amazing, nothing was too much trouble. When she could barely eat, the kitchen staff even made special trips to Asda to get her favourite oxtail soup.
'Mum came back to the hospice towards the end of her life, she was never uncomfortable, and we were always welcomed with such kindness.
'The support I had from the Family Support Team afterwards really helped me. I love the atmosphere at the Midnight Walk and always get quite emotional.'
As Nightingale House Hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary, the support of hundreds of event participants, through their sponsorship, helps ensure that patients and their families across Northeast Wales and the border areas continue to receive free care and support, at a time when running costs have risen to over £5 million a year.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of over 50 incredible volunteers, who worked alongside staff to help with everything from event set-up and registration to marshalling the route and cheering on walkers throughout the night.
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Elise Jackson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: 'Seeing so many people walking through Wrexham under the stars, united by love, hope and purpose, is truly moving.
'Every single person who took part, whether they walked, fundraised, volunteered or supported behind the scenes, has helped make a real difference.
'We're especially grateful to our amazing volunteers, who give up their time to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely.
'The Midnight Walk is always an emotional but uplifting night, and in celebration of the hospice's 30th anniversary, it felt even more special.'
Local businesses including Hoya who sponsored the event, Papa John's, Hickory's Smokehouse, Kellogg's, Village Bakery, Moneypenny, and Hafren Dyfrdwy also played their part, generously donating food, refreshments, and glitter to help fuel the fun and keep walkers smiling every step of the way.
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Leader Live
4 days ago
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Hundreds take part in Nightingale's Midnight Walk
Llwyn Isaf, Wrexham was transformed into a sea of sparkle, colour and compassion on Saturday (June 7), as hundreds of supporters came together for Nightingale House Hospice's annual Midnight Walk, one of the charity's most loved and emotional fundraising events. Walkers turned out in bright clothing, flashing bunny ears, glowing flower necklaces and light-up tutus for the late-night event. Many were walking in memory of loved ones and to raise vital funds to help Nightingale House continue delivering free, expert care for people living with life-limiting and progressive illnesses. Participants could choose between a 5k or 10k route, both flat and fully accessible, winding through the streets of Wrexham. Before the official midnight countdown for the walk to begin, the crowd was treated to live music from local favourites Rhythm Train, followed by a high energy warm up led by Freedom Leisure. One of those taking part this year was Carole Jones, who walked alongside her daughter, Mollie, in memory of her mum, Jacqueline Jones. Mollie and Carole Jones (left) walked in memory of Jacqueline Jones (right). (Image: Nightingale House Hospice) Carole said: 'My mum came to the hospice with metastatic breast cancer that had spread to her bones. 'The care she received was amazing, nothing was too much trouble. When she could barely eat, the kitchen staff even made special trips to Asda to get her favourite oxtail soup. 'Mum came back to the hospice towards the end of her life, she was never uncomfortable, and we were always welcomed with such kindness. 'The support I had from the Family Support Team afterwards really helped me. I love the atmosphere at the Midnight Walk and always get quite emotional.' As Nightingale House Hospice celebrates its 30th anniversary, the support of hundreds of event participants, through their sponsorship, helps ensure that patients and their families across Northeast Wales and the border areas continue to receive free care and support, at a time when running costs have risen to over £5 million a year. The event was made possible thanks to the support of over 50 incredible volunteers, who worked alongside staff to help with everything from event set-up and registration to marshalling the route and cheering on walkers throughout the night. MOST READ: Plans for 121 affordable homes near Flintshire town recommended for approval LOOK: "Delightful" home in "idyllic" setting goes on the market in Wrexham Concerns raised over future of Grade I listed bridge in Wrexham Elise Jackson, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Nightingale House Hospice, said: 'Seeing so many people walking through Wrexham under the stars, united by love, hope and purpose, is truly moving. 'Every single person who took part, whether they walked, fundraised, volunteered or supported behind the scenes, has helped make a real difference. 'We're especially grateful to our amazing volunteers, who give up their time to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely. 'The Midnight Walk is always an emotional but uplifting night, and in celebration of the hospice's 30th anniversary, it felt even more special.' Local businesses including Hoya who sponsored the event, Papa John's, Hickory's Smokehouse, Kellogg's, Village Bakery, Moneypenny, and Hafren Dyfrdwy also played their part, generously donating food, refreshments, and glitter to help fuel the fun and keep walkers smiling every step of the way.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Radio 1 star's hidden health battle as they're supported by Mollie King
EXCLUSIVE: Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson opens up about celebrity encounters and his special bond with co-host Mollie, who's been a pillar of support for him during his struggles with a mental health condition You know you're well-connected when you casually drop names like Robert De Niro and Bryan Cranston into conversation. But Radio 1 DJ Matt Edmondson has made a career out of interviewing the A-list and hanging out with the stars, so it's little wonder he's got a fair few anecdotes up his sleeve – like the time he discussed water pressure with legendary actor De Niro, or the moment he bonded with singer Nick Jonas over a board game Matt made. When it comes to his favourite celeb, there's one stunning singer who stands head and shoulders above the rest. 'Mollie King is the nicest celebrity I've ever met and I feel so lucky I can now call her one of my best friends,' Matt, 39, gushes as he chats from the Radio 1 studio, where the pair co-host their afternoon show. He tells us that Saturday's star Mollie, who has recently returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child with her cricketer fiancé Stuart Broad, will be back on the airwaves at the end of this month. And it's clear he can't wait. 'She is just the most wonderful person,' he says. 'We have a weird telepathy going on. I feel like I've known her my entire life.' The pair first met when Matt, who used to work for T4 and gossip site Holy Moly, interviewed The Saturdays years before Mollie, 37, joined Radio 1. 'I didn't really know her, but I'd met the band a few times,' he explained to OK! 'Then she came in to guest host four shows with me. Ten minutes into show one, I was like, 'This person already feels like a sister to me.' "At the end of the four weeks, I basically begged her to stay. And she agreed. And now I would never go back to doing radio on my own. Our friendship is completely authentic, and that's why the show works. Even when she's on mat leave, we talk two or three times a week.' Matt, who has two daughters – Ivy, eight, and Willow, three – with his wife Bryony, has been joined by DJ Jeremiah Asiamah while Mollie's been off looking after her kids, Annabella, two, and four-month-old Liliana. During her first maternity leave, it was Jamie Laing who stepped into her shoes. He, too, became one of Matt's closest pals. Matt watched as Jamie took on the monumental challenge of running across England in an 'ultra marathon' back in March, which raised over £1m for Comic Relief. 'I could never do what Jamie's done,' Matt says. 'He's superhuman. It was the most pain I've ever seen a person in. It was a testament to his mental strength that he did it. It was like watching someone constantly about to keel over.' The radio DJ has nothing but praise for his friend, noting how far Jamie's come since his days as Spencer Matthews' sidekick on Made In Chelsea. 'I can't imagine that being on a reality show and having that all played out on TV was easy,' Matt says. 'I'm glad the world is seeing Jamie as more than just his 'silly' side now. He's the most wonderful human being. He's one of life's good guys.' Matt credits both Jamie, 36, and Mollie with being there for him when he feels low, noting that he talks to his friends when he's struggling with his mental health. He was diagnosed with cyclothymia, a condition similar to bipolar disorder but with milder highs and lows, in his late twenties. 'I have a lot of people in my life I can talk to about my issues,' Matt explains. 'I'll talk to my wife, Mollie, and Jamie. Having a network of people that really know and love me and don't come with any judgement is very fortunate. Plus, I've had therapy and I found it incredibly empowering. Trying to detach the shame from it is so important.' Making music was another outlet that helped Matt cope with his diagnosis. He set about studying music production and making his own songs during the Covid pandemic, which has led him to collaborate with singers such as James Arthur and Example. It has also led to a recent partnership with toilet care experts Bloo, who chose Matt to write a hilarious 'top of the plops' banger specifically designed to mask embarrassing toilet noises. It came after Bloo revealed that 62% of Brits are mortified by the sounds they make in the bathroom. 'My happy place is making songs and the sillier the better,' he says of the song, which is a genuine earworm. 'It was a dream for me, and I am the perfect man for the job because I love nothing more than a chat while I'm on the loo. I'll sit and talk to my three-year-old. She's just finished potty training so poo is a big deal to her.' The song is a big deal to his celeb pals, too. Since sharing the tune's hilarious video on social media, the likes of Will Best, Melvin Odoom and Professor Green have all expressed their admiration for Matt's work. It's clear when chatting about such things that Matt is game for a laugh and open to all opportunities. We get talking about reality TV. Surely a gig like Strictly Come Dancing or I'm A Celeb could be on the cards given his high-profile job? 'I've never been asked to do Strictly and I don't know why, seeing as practically every other Radio 1 DJ has done it,' he laughs. 'Mollie, Jamie, Melvin, they've all had a go. I'd never say never if they did ask, but if I were to put myself forward for one reality show it would be The Traitors. It's the best thing on TV. I can't wait to see the celeb version. Oh, and I'm waiting for the call-up to be a judge on the next series of Britain's Got Talent. I have zero qualifications for the job, but you know, if everyone else was busy...' Matt could just call up his old boss, Simon Cowell, if he wanted in. He hosted the X Factor spin-off show The Xtra Factor Live back in 2016 alongside Rylan Clark. However, it doesn't sound like he's particularly close to Si these days. When asked if he still checks in with him, Matt replies, 'I mean, I didn't really check in with him when I was presenting his show! He's sort of like the Wizard of Oz – he's there, but not. He's behind the screen somewhere. So no, I haven't seen or heard from Simon Cowell, but I think I'd be low on his priorities.' So what's next for Matt? 'I'm writing a musical,' he says excitedly, though he's staying tight-lipped on what it's about. 'I'm also working on something special with Mollie. It's one of the most unique podcast ideas ever.' Again, Matt won't be drawn into giving away details, but one thing's for sure, if Mollie's involved, you can guarantee he'll be smiling. Matt has teamed up with the UK's number one toilet carebrand, Bloo, for its Block Out With Bloo listen to the track, search Matt Edmondson Block OutWith Bloo on SoundCloud.
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Leader Live
Dementia in mind for new Chirk Court sensory garden
A vibrant sensory garden has officially opened at Chirk Court Nursing Home in Chirk, marking many months of dedicated planning, fundraising and hard work. The ribbon was cut by Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Tina Mannering, alongside disability liaison officer from Wrexham AFC, Kerry Evans. Residents, staff, families and members of the local community gathered to celebrate. Activities coordinator Nicola in the sensory garden with resident Les who is a keen gardener. Chirk Court's manager Jane Humphreys was the mastermind behind a new sensory garden, which has been designed with elderly residents and people living with dementia in mind. The garden provides a safe, stimulating outdoor environment, where nature, colour, scent, sound and texture combine to support wellbeing, memory, and relaxation. From accessible pathways, soothing wind chimes and running water to fragrant blooms, eye-catching features and raised beds ideal for wheelchair users; every element has been carefully considered to create a fully inclusive, relaxing space. Read more: Walking for Minnie - family's tribute at hospice's Midnight Walk The creation of Chirk Court's sensory garden was a team effort which involved extensive research, fundraising, and many hours of volunteering from both staff and residents. The result is a magnificent, multi-sensory experience, which is already having a positive impact. Residents and staff enjoy exploring the sensory garden which features raised beds and accessible pathways. The official opening of the garden was celebrated with excitement, as it was proudly unveiled to the local community. Kerry said: "It was a real honour to be asked along to open the new sensory garden, I was so impressed with the efforts that had gone into making it a safe, welcoming sanctuary for residents to enjoy. Read more: Pioneering Wrexham organisation hailed as blueprint for social care in Wales "For people living with dementia keeping their mind active and stimulated is so important and by having that wonderful new garden you have achieved that in abundance." Cllr Mannering added: "It was an absolute honour and privilege to jointly open such a beautiful, stunning sensory garden. Jane and the staff have worked wonders, along with the residents and families. Kerry Evans from Wrexham AFC (far right) along with Wrexham Mayor Cllr Tina Mannering visited to officially open the Chirk Court Sensory Garden. "There are native wildflower beds, beautiful colourful bedding plants. A lovely water feature and even raised vegetable, fruit and herb planters, which enable residents to be involved with planting and harvesting when ready. There is a mindful walkway with hand painted benches and twinkly lights; something for everyone to enjoy - especially the deer ornaments. A little piece of heaven!" Read more: Wrexham pupils learn about healthy eating amid Welsh Government proposals Jane said: "Today has been a wonderful celebration of what we can achieve when we work together. I am so grateful for all the hard work and effort that everyone has put in, to create this fabulous space. We've built something truly special for our community and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this sensory garden a reality." Jane Humphreys - Manager at Chirk Court, Wrexham Mayor - Cllr Tina Mannering, Kerry Evans - Disability Liaison Officer, Wrexham AFC. Jane was also thanked Keep Wales Tidy, for community grants which have been a huge help with funding areas of the garden including the allotment. The sensory garden is open for residents, visitors and staff to enjoy daily. Nicola Hughes, activities coordinator at Chirk Court: "The garden brings normality, it's good for the mind, it's relaxing, and it brings back memories from life and childhood. It creates relationships, encourages residents to talk to each other and supports physical activities; it means a huge amount to everyone at Chirk Court."
