More than 1,000 people are preparing to take part in the North Devon Hospice Nightwalk, a beloved event that will see a sea of walkers in pink t-shirts travel along the Tarka Trail from Bideford to Barnstaple.
Event Details
The walk takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, to raise essential funds for the hospice's vital local care. Friends and families will come together to walk the route in memory of their loved ones. Participants can look forward to beautiful moments, including a mural of messages on the Memory Bridge at Fremington. The route will also feature a silent disco with a guest soundtrack and a spectacular light show inside Instow Tunnel. A large outdoor cinema screen will display photos of those being remembered throughout the night.
Community Support
Lin Walkey, team lead of North Devon Hospice's community care service, said: "Nightwalk is one of those evenings that stays with you long after the walk is over. There is something incredibly powerful about seeing so many people from our community come together as the sun sets, each carrying their own story, their own memories, and their own reasons for being there. This year, we hope even more families will find comfort and connection in walking together. Every step taken and every pound raised goes directly towards ensuring that people across North Devon receive the care and support they deserve at the most difficult time of their lives."
Slee Blackwell Solicitors are the headline sponsors for the event and will be joining the walk on the night. For Oliver Thorne, partner at the local law firm, the evening is deeply personal after the hospice cared for his father. Oliver said: "North Devon Hospice made a huge difference to us as a whole family with coming to terms with my father's death. When my father passed away from a brain tumour, we found what was an awful experience was made so much easier by the staff at North Devon Hospice. The reason why we as a firm wanted to get involved with North Devon Hospice and Nightwalk, is because it's our way of giving something back to the local community and also supporting our staff who want to remember someone special in their own lives."
Sponsors and Participation
The event is supported by many local businesses, including nfu mutual, Vertu Exeter MINI, and Wain Homes. TDK, Holidaycottages.co.uk, Hatchmoor Nursing Home, Banbury's, and Evans Heating and Plumbing are also providing sponsorship.
Claire Paine, business relationship manager at the hospice, commented: "Nightwalk holds a truly special place in the hearts of everyone at North Devon Hospice, and none of it would be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. This year our amazing sponsors are helping us create meaningful moments for our walkers, from helping provide every walker with a t-shirt, medal and wristband, to creating interactive memory stations and a lively event village."
There is still time to sign up and join the hundreds of people walking for their loved ones. You can secure your place for the evening by visiting nightwalk.co.uk.
