Winchester Hospice has thanked the community after its Purple Night Walk raised more than £40,000 for local hospice care.

Just over 300 people dressed in purple and took to the streets of Winchester for the annual event, making 2026 the walk’s biggest year yet.

For the first time, the event sold out, a fitting milestone as Winchester Hospice marks five years of caring for people in the local area.

The 7km route brought supporters together to raise money, celebrate loved ones and remember people who have died.

Before the walk began, participants were given a quiet moment of reflection for those taking part in memory of someone special.

The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Jamie Scott, then officially started the walk, with the hospice among his nominated charities.

Once under way, walkers found more than a fundraising challenge waiting for them, with live music and light installations adding atmosphere around the route.

Local performers had volunteered their time, helping turn the evening into a warm community occasion as well as a poignant one.

Everyone completing the route received a medal at the finish line.

The hospice initially reported more than £36,000 raised immediately after the event, with sponsorship still arriving.

That total has since passed £40,000, providing further support for the specialist care offered to patients and their families.

The money matters because care at Winchester Hospice is provided free of charge, with charitable giving from the local community helping fund its work alongside NHS support.

The hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults with life-limiting illness in the Winchester area, while also supporting families, friends and carers.

This year’s turnout shows how firmly the Purple Night Walk has established itself in Winchester’s community calendar.

From walkers and sponsors to musicians, marshals, volunteers and everyone who donated, hundreds of people played a part in making the night possible.

It was a simple idea with a powerful result: people walking together so local families can receive care when they need it most.

And with more than £40,000 raised, this year’s walk leaves Winchester Hospice with more than a record attendance to celebrate.

It leaves a very visible reminder of what Winchester can achieve when the city gets behind a local cause.

So this Winchester Shoutout goes to everyone who pulled on something purple, raised sponsorship, volunteered, performed or simply gave what they could.

Well done, Winchester.