Rotherham Hospice's Midnight Memory Walk returns with over 600 supporters

The popular event returns on Saturday (24) night after an absence of several years — with 10km and 15km options starting and finishing at New York Stadium.

Both routes pass the hospice, where a new addition will be the Midnight Memory Messages outside on Broom Road.

In exchange for a donation of your choice, these messages of support and tributes will form a celebration display on the railings.

Registering for the walk is £5 until noon tomorrow (23), after which it rises to £10. T-shirts are £7.50 each while stocks last.

The routes loop around Clifton Park to make up for the distance lost travelling into town from the previous event hosts Magna.

Hospice ambassador and Millers legend John Breckin said: “I’m really looking forward to it and I’m overwhelmed again at the response from people. We’re well over 600 sign-ups now.

The people of Rotherham are backing the hospice because it belongs to us.

“It’s been open long enough now that it’s touched nearly everyone in some way.”

Breck has tried out the longer route but said he was still debating which one to take on the night itself.

He said: “We did it in about 2hrs 35 or 2hrs 40, but for the actual walk, I would like to be back when most people are finishing.”

The announcement that the Millers kits will sport the hospice name has strengthened the bond between club and charity and makes New York Stadium even more of a perfect host venue for this weekend’s event.

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John said: “I’m proud as anything that they will be flying the flag for Rotherham Hospice all over the British isles. It’s a great gesture.”

And his advice for anyone tempted but not yet signed up for the Midnight Memory Walk?

“If you’re in two minds, just sign up for a fiver and decide on the night,” Breck said. Maybe do a bit of practising.

“Come and enjoy it, get down after 10pm to get in the mood and warm up, and make sure you get the footwear right and look after your feet.”

Register for the walk and leave messages at www.rotherhamhospice.org.uk — or sign up on the night.

From 10pm on Saturday, the NYS will host registration, a DJ, facepainting and other entertainment — plus the all important warm-ups — ahead of the midnight start.