This year’s LOROS Twilight Walk will be going down a greener route, as the team at the Hospice have revealed that they are trying to make this year’s event much more environmentally friendly.
The annual women-only walk, which this year takes place on Saturday 6th April, will see a number of noticeable changes put in place, including the balloon release being replaced with a bubble release.
The fundraising team at LOROS made the decision for the event to be greener, after hearing how plastic can cause damage to the environment.
“So many organisations, businesses and individuals are making the decision to be greener and we wanted to join them,” said LOROS Fundraising Co-ordinator Abi Jarrom, who is leading the event.
“We also ask for feedback following our events and one comment that we continued to hear was that people were worried about how the balloon release was effecting the environment, so we listened and have changed our event.
“For many, the balloon release was the most poignant part of the event but we will still be giving our participants the chance to remember their loved ones but through a beautiful bubble release.”
There will also be no plastic, single-use water bottles available to purchase, instead, there will be a water station at the half-way point on route, which people can use to fill up their own re-useable bottles.
The prosecco and fizz station will also provide alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in biodegradable tumblers for participants.
“We have a set of ‘10 e-commandments’ which we are working towards at this event and also at our other events going forwards to ensure a more green ethos runs across events as a whole,” Abi added.
Rachael Middleton, of Stoney Stanton, who is taking part in this year’s Twilight Walk said: “I love balloons and while I did enjoy the spectacle of thousands of balloons being released, it wasn’t until afterwards that I started to feel guilt.
“I did feel uncomfortable taking part this year if there would be a balloon release, so I contacted you to raise my concerns before entering.
“The alternative of bubbles is a fabulous idea, especially with the under the sea theme, and I am sure it will be an equally, if not more, fantastic spectacle.”
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 6th April, from Leicester’s King Power Stadium.
The 10km walk will begin at 7.30pm but walkers can arrive from 5.30pm, to enjoy the selection of food and drink stalls available on site, along with entertainment, photo opportunities and face paint stations.