two people stand by a lake which is lit up at night. Both are wearing purple t shirts with kemp moonlight walk written on the front and both have purple medals.

The first Moonlight Walk a glowing success as over £7,000 raised for KEMP Hospice.

5th August 2026

The first KEMP Hospice Moonlight Walk at Bodenham Arboretum was an evening of fun and fond memories. Find out more.

On Friday 31st July 2026 over 160 people took part in the first KEMP Hospice Moonlight Walk at Bodenham Arboretum. Walking together and helping to raise over £7,000 for the hospice, it was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, joy and quiet reflection.

The evening brought together families, friends and supporters of all ages to walk beneath the stars, celebrate the lives of loved ones, and to raise vital funds to support KEMP Hospice. Those who took part walked a 3km route along the ‘Bodenham Boundary’, took on a challenging climb up to the ‘Lunar Lookout’ and passed through the beautiful ‘Laburnum Tunnel’, specially lit with lanterns to guide the way.

Sharing special memories of special people

One of the most poignant features of the event was the ‘Memory Gazebo’, where walkers were invited to write messages in memory of loved ones. Gently lit to encourage a moment of reflection and remembrance, the heartfelt tributes created a moving reminder of the many reasons people chose to take part. They also highlighted the important role KEMP Hospice plays in supporting local families, some of which are now displayed in the hospice.

two people stand in a room which is gently lit by tea lights and battery candles. They are writing a message in a decorated card to be hung with other messages along the lights.

Fun for all at the first Moonlight Walk

The evening was hosted by local favourite Dicky Dodd and featured live entertainment from Someone at the Door Samba. Walkers enjoyed a warm-up provided by Hannah Yardley, and refreshments were provided at Bodenham Arboretum’s visitor centre café, helping to create a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere throughout the event.

Anna Burley, Community & Events Fundraiser at KEMP Hospice said “We couldn’t have asked for a better first Moonlight Walk. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support KEMP Hospice while remembering loved ones and celebrating the incredible difference hospice care makes within our community.”

“We’re so grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored or supported the event in any way. Thanks to their generosity, we’ve already raised over £7,000 to help KEMP Hospice continue providing compassionate care and support to local patients and families. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s Moonlight Walk even bigger and better.”

We would also like to thank headline sponsor The Gables Care Home, along with support from Bodenham Arboretum whose venue was the beautiful backdrop to this special occasion.

KEMP Moonlight Walk 2026 Event Photo Gallery:

A group of people warming up for the kemp moonlight walk. They are wearing purple t shirts with kemp moonlight walk and some are wearing neon brightly coloured clothing

A person smiling at the camera with their hands placed under their chin to frame their face. They are wearing a purple t shirt with kemp moonlight walk on he front.

A group of four people stand together by a lake holding a sigh saying we took part in the kemp hospice Moonlight walk together

two peoples smiling at the camera with one wearing a flower garland headband and both with glitter paint on their faces.

three people stand smiling at the camera with a lake in the background. They are wearing purple t shirts with kemp moonlight walk

a lady sits having glitter painted to her face

a group stand together with a lake in the background, some wearing kemp moonlight walk t shirts

three people stand together wearing purple kemp moonlight walk t shirts and two wearing glittery fairy wings

a samba band planning. They are wearing red t shirts and have bright yellow drums

three people stand with their backs to the camera, arm in arm, with messages to loved ones on cards pinned to their backs

If you’d like to see even more photos from the night, take a look at our gallery on Facebook.

If you’d like to be the first to hear about the Moonlight Walk in 2027, sign up to hear from KEMP Hospice. You can also find out more about other KEMP challenges and events, or how you could support KEMP Hospice.

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