An annual London Night Hike to support people living with cancer is set to take place again tomorrow.
Maggie’s, founded in 1996, is a charity which provides free expert psychological, emotional and practical support for everyone living with cancer.
This Friday, September 27, their annual Night Hike takes place as participants will journey past famous London landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The London Night Hike supports all four of Maggie’s London centres and the fundraising from the event goes towards providing people with one-on-one cancer support with their professionals.
The event began in 2021 and has grown every year with 100 participants in 2023 and already 230 signed-up for Friday.
Participants can either take part in the 10-mile hike or the 20-mile hike.
It is estimated that there are currently more than three million people living with cancer rising to four million by 2030.
With 43% of families in the UK affected by cancer, Maggie’s delivered over 335,000 support sessions to people living with the disease in 2023.
Mike Njegomir discovered Maggie’s and the night hike after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at 65 and it became an instrumental part of his recovery journey.
Mike said: “This low impact, high-intensity exercise helped me regain my strength, improve my cardiovascular health, and boost my overall well-being.
“Seven years on and it’s been a miracle. I’m in remission, I’m fit and feeling good.”
Alexis Cannon, Centre Fundraising Manager of the West London centre, said:
“The atmosphere is always extraordinary and with a sense that everyone is in it together.
“There is a lot of laughter and encouragement as everyone helps each other get over the line.”
Recognised as excellent by the NHS, the majority of funding for Maggie’s comes from voluntary donations.
Maggie’s encourage supporters to put on their own events or join events like bake sales, running and hosting a quiz night. Any person keen to volunteer can contact Alexis Cannon at [email protected].
You can expect to see DJ’s, choirs, pizza and face paint at the night hike as well as clear skies.
The hike begins at 6pm at Maggie’s West London centre in Charing Cross.
You can still sign up to take part in the hike until 5pm on Thursday, for £35, as well as donate at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-night-hike-2024-west-london-registration-896126306907?aff=oddtdtcreator .
