23 August 2018

Don’t be concerned if you see a lot of glowing people on the trails below Rangituhi in Porirua in late October.

The Neon Night Walk/Run 4 Good is the brainchild of Jill Ford, who has helped organise similar charity events in the UK.

She was delighted to receive $4,000 from Porirua City’s Major Events Investment Fund, confirmed on Wednesday evening.

“I really appreciate the support to help make this a reality,” Ms Ford said.

“I’m sure the council can put money towards a number of events, and I’m chuffed that one of them is this one. Making it accessible for residents was important for me, as well as drawing in people from outside Porirua for a worthy cause.”

The Neon Night Walk/Run 4 Good has seven charities as partners – Save the Children, Heart Kids, Dementia Wellington, Arthritis New Zealand, Mental Health Foundation, Life Flight Trust and Healthy Futures Wellington – but entrants on the night can raise money for any charity they want.

Along with the fundraising element, an aim is to get people out walking, or running, and participants are encouraged to dress up, being that it is close to Halloween, and wear neon colours that stand out in the dark. The event will kick off at 5.30pm.

There will be 8km, 16km or 24km circuits of the trails around Rangituhi.

“Night walks and bike rides are really popular in the UK,” Ms Ford said.

“You have to sometimes go a little bit outside the square to raise funds for charity, and people enjoy it when there’s a challenge involved.

“Rangituhi is a great walk - it will be a beautiful setting as the sun is going down.”

The Neon Night Walk/Run 4 Good takes place on October 27, with the main entry point next to Camp Elsdon on Raiha St. For more information or to register, email Jill Ford atinfo@fordwardmarketing.com or check out neonnightwalk.co.nz.

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