Over 500 people, and one Starship delivery robot, took part in the Willen Hospice All New Moo 2020 on Saturday (12/9), raising a phenomenal £56,000 for the charity.
The All New Moo was an adaption of the charity’s biggest fundraising event, The MK Midnight Moo, which had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
The new event, which took place in the daytime, invited participants to walk, run or scoot 5 or 10 miles from their own homes, and if they wanted, they could pass a cheer point at the Hospice, and leave a message for a loved one on a special memory wall.
A particularly inspiring All New Moo participant was Willen Hospice patient, Hen, 27, joined by her family and Hospice Social Care Assistant, Jurate Aukstiejute. Hen, who has a rare progressive neurological disease, completed a 5 mile route around Willen Lake in her special electric wheelchair which she controls using her head, and has raised almost £2000 for the Hospice.
Tracey Jago, Willen Hospice Events Manager said, “I’m really pleased to say that the All New Moo was a fantastic success. Unlike our usual event, where people gather in large groups, to respect social distancing things were very different this year. While only much smaller groups passed by our cheer point, there was a great atmosphere at the cheer point and on the virtual Zoom party, it was also fun to see so many people all over Milton Keynes and the surrounding villages wearing 1920s outfits and ‘Moo’ vests, kindly provided by our headline sponsors, Specsavers Milton Keynes.
"We were really touched to see our local community rally together in our time of need, and raise over £56,000 for the Hospice. To put it into context, the money raised covers the cost of the annual salary for an In patient-Unit Nurse and a Ward Hostess. They both provide compassionate care to patients at the end of their lives, and those with life-limiting illnesses, as well as supporting their families.
"The Hospice needs to raise £4.7 million a year, and although our MK Midnight Moo usually raises around £100,000 for the Hospice, this extra boost in fundraising will really help us during a financially challenging year.”
Main sponsor Steve Moore of Specsavers Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell, said, “It was our pleasure to support the Hospice with their Moo event once again. It’s been a difficult year for them so we were honoured to do our bit and give back to the community. The final amount raised really is something to be proud of, and we hope everyone felt that pride when they were wearing their Moo vests on Saturday.”
MKFM also supported the event by being the main media partner, with presenter Michael Blades hosting a special show full of interviews throughout the day.
All New Moo participants are asked to send in their sponsorship money as soon as they have their final amount. It’s really easy to donate money online, in person or over the phone. Details are available at www.willen-hospice.org.uk/payinsponsorship.
Money raised via Enthuse or JustGiving will automatically be sent to the Hospice.
