Walkers raise thousands in Sophie’s memory

A team of women who pulled on their comfiest trainers and best pyjamas paced the streets of Bury St Edmunds and raised more than £10,000 in memory of a friend and colleague.

Dubbed The Night Owls, the team, who all work at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, have raised £10,237.56 for St Nicholas Hospice Care by taking part in the charity’s annual Girls Night Out moonlight walk

The 34-strong team were spurred on in their efforts as they were walking in memory of Sophie Claydon a much loved and valued friend and colleague.

Sophie, who was a HR assistant at the borough council, passed away aged 25 at the hospice in August after being diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) in December of last year.

Cheryl Froud, who walked as part of The Night Owls team, said: “The weather was kind and everyone had a good time, despite aching limbs that night and the next day.

“The total for The Night Owls so far is £10,237.56 which is a fantastic amount of money. Sophie would be so proud of everyone who took part.

“A big thank you from The Night Owls to everyone who donated to such a worthy cause and to Peter Gudde for his contribution following his Virtual Tour of Britain charity ride.

“This money will continue to help support the outstanding work that St Nicholas Hospice Care undertakes.”

The Night Owls were part of the 2,188 crowd of women who wore their bunny ears with pride on Saturday, September 9, and took part in the hospice’s biggest fundraising event.

Jenny Smith, the hospice’s events manager, said: “We are so grateful to The Night Owls for their amazing fundraising efforts. To have raised more than £10,000 really is incredible and every penny they have raised will make a huge difference to our charity.

“Girls Night Out really is a special event. Not only does it help fund vital hospice care and services across the community it also brings people together, giving them the chance to reflect and remember their loved ones.

“Thank you to all of The Night Owls for their support.”

Although walkers are still returning their sponsorship money it is hoped the moonlight walk, which is now in its ninth year, will have raised an estimated £250,000, for the hospice which cares for those across west Suffolk and Thetford with long-term and life-threatening illnesses.

The Night Owls are still hoping to add to their total and if you would like to support them you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/thenightowns

Pictured above are The Night Owls team from St Edmundsbury Borough Council who raised more than £10,000 in memory of Sophie Claydon by taking part in St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Girls Night Out.