Chester Glows Green for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

Chester glowed green last night as hundreds of people took part in a special walk to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Armed with glow sticks, the generous fundraisers donned green T-shirts, wigs, leg warmers, hats and head bands for the colourful 7km route around the city.

Glow Green Night Walk took walkers past some of Chester’s most famous landmarks, lit up in green for the occasion.

While there was a serious message behind the walk, there was a real party atmosphere as people celebrated life and their loved ones.

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Events Manager Mark Parkinson said: “We’d like to thank everyone who Glowed Green for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity for the inaugural Chester event.

“It was so heartwarming to see so many people taking part, whatever the weather, to support local people with cancer.

“It was also wonderful that the city turned green and local people and businesses joined in to honour people with cancer, those we have loved and lost and those who care for patients. It really added to the special atmosphere on the night.

“Also, a huge thank you to all the volunteers, musicians and singers who gave up their Friday night to help make the night such a huge success. We couldn’t do it without you. See you all next time.”

The walk started at Chester Racecourse before a winding route through the city crossing the Old Dee Bridge, Suspension Bridge, past the Old Palace then through the Roman Gardens where a poignant lantern display gave walkers a moment of reflection.

They then continued past the Roman Amphitheatre, Chester train station, winding their way back into the city, passing Eastgate Clock and the Cathedral before making their way back to the Racecourse for the finish.

The event was a chance for walkers to have fun while raising much needed funds to help the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.

Last night’s event was officially started by BBC TV presenter Louise Minchin.

Before leading the countdown to the big start from the stage, Louise gathered hundreds of walkers for a mass selfie and asked them who they were walking for.

She said:

“What an absolutely wonderful experience to be walking through Chester at night, the city I live in and one of my favourite cities. The atmosphere is amazing.

“I know people were walking for very special reasons and what a beautiful way to do it.”

The night was hosted in style by Ian Gibbons. There were also performances in the event village from Techno Spartans, Karamba Samba drummers, Decades Duo and Toxic Dolls. The University of Chester Cheerleaders led more than 400 people in a mass warm-up. Fusion Choir and Chester Rock Choir entertained walkers along the way.

Amid all that fun, there was time to pause for reflection in the Roman Gardens and pay tribute to a loved one lost to cancer, those being treated for the disease or to say thank you to Clatterbridge staff.

The gardens were adorned with lanterns hand decorated by walkers, creating a sea of light and hope.

Glow Green Night Walk Chester was sponsored by ETC (Enrichment Technology Company) with participants treated to sweet treats at the start and finish by staff who volunteered at the walk.

A spokesperson for ETC said:

“We are extremely proud of our technology and the significant contribution it makes to securing a global low-carbon energy supply.

“Our desire to leave the Earth a better place for our children and grandchildren extends beyond the positive environmental impact of our technology. We are also extremely passionate about leaving a lasting positive societal impact and supporting our local communities in any way we can.

“We are the proud sponsors of many local charities, organisations and events and feel extremely privileged to sponsor the first ever Glow Walk Chester to raise money for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

“At the end of 2024, we visited the Clatterbridge Cancer Center in Liverpool. We were so overwhelmed by the incredible work of the charity that we made a donation of £15,000.”

The route sponsor was DJH and their Chester headquarters were lit green for the occasion.

There are more than 100,000 people living with cancer in Merseyside and Cheshire. 

The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides specialist cancer treatment for many of these people, through its unique network of care across the region, caring for a population of 2.4 million people at its centres in Liverpool, Wirral and Aintree and at a network of specialist clinics across the region.

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is the only dedicated charity for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and raises funds for research into new treatments, to help the experience of patients and to fund specialist equipment.

The Charity is marking its 30^th anniversary this year, having formed in 1996 to help local people with cancer.

More details of the charity here:

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity 

Pictured - Walkers at the Eastgate Clock.