Behind every breast cancer diagnosis is a story, and behind every story is a community that cares. On Friday 15 May, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is inviting the community to show that support in the brightest, sparkliest way possible at the Twilight Walk.
At the Twilight Walk, a crowd of dazzling participants dressed in neon, glittery accessories and fancy dress will shine brightly along the Bournemouth seafront in a sparkling show of support for everyone impacted by breast cancer in our community.
Everyone at the Twilight Walk will be raising awareness about breast cancer and raising funds for meaningful enhancements – above and beyond NHS funding – for breast cancer patients and their loved ones supported by University Hospitals Dorset.
Ticket sales only cover the cost of the event. So University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is asking everyone to join in the spirit of going above and beyond for patients by setting their own fundraising target.
Thanks to community support for breast cancer services, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity has been able to purchase additional scanning equipment to detect breast cancer, provide specialised bras for patients who have undergone mastectomy surgery, fund additional training for NHS staff on the Breast Cancer teams and more.
Aurelia Chliwna, public fundraising officer for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “Every day at University Hospitals Dorset, our NHS colleagues witness the reality of breast cancer on our community in scans, clinics and recovery rooms. The Twilight Walk is our chance to show up in glitter, pink and neon to show patients and their loved ones they’re not alone. Every pound raised goes straight back into improving patient care and comfort. Join the Twilight Walk and help us build a brighter future for everyone affected by breast cancer in our community.”
The Twilight Walk 2026 is sponsored by local businesses Barchester Healthcare and Lester Aldridge solicitors.
Michelle Venn, home services advisor at Barchester Healthcare’s Parley Place care home, said: “As a care home group, we care for people every day; and at Barchester, we are committed to caring beyond our walls. Sponsoring the Twilight Walk for a second year alongside University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity reflects our dedication and support to standing side by side with our community. Walking and sponsoring this event gives our team members and our residents a chance to honour those who have been affected by breast cancer and do our bit to show that they are not alone.”
Parisa Jones, partner at Lester Aldridge, said: “We are incredibly proud to support University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity’s Twilight Walk and the vital work it does for people affected by breast cancer across our local community. Events like this bring people together in such a positive and uplifting way while raising funds that make a real difference to patient care.
“Supporting our hospitals and the communities we serve is hugely important to us at Lester Aldridge, and we are delighted to be part of an event that shines such a bright light on an important cause.”
Twilight Walk participants can choose to walk along a 3km, 5km or 10km route from Bournemouth towards Southbourne. Each route along the Dorset seafront is accessible to people of most abilities, buggies and families.
Come for the glitter, stay for the impact on breast cancer patients and their loved ones. Sign up for the Twilight Walk today: www.UHDcharity.org/Twilight/
Press release and image – UHD Charity