Milton Keynes’ iconic Midnight Moo charity walk returns – ‘dis-cow-nted’ tickets announced

A limited number of discounted tickets have been released as Willen Hospice officially opens registration for its much-loved Midnight Moo fundraiser on Friday 26 June. Those who sign up early can secure reduced entry to one of the city’s biggest and most uplifting community fundraising events — but places are expected to sell quickly.

Starting at 10pm from a buzzing Middleton Hall in Centre:MK, the Midnight Moo sponsored by Specsavers MK offers participants the choice of a 5- or 10-mile walk. The 5-mile route finishes at GoodGym MK in Kiln Farm, while the 10-mile challenge loops back to the city centre.

Before walkers even set off, Middleton Hall will come alive with music, entertainment and face painting, creating the electric ‘at-moo-sphere’ the event is known for. Along the route, volunteer marshals will guide and cheer on participants, with every walker receiving a finisher’s medal in recognition of their achievement.

But the Midnight Moo is about more than miles — it’s about making a difference close to home. Participants are encouraged to raise £125 each, or £500 per team. Entry fees only cover the cost of staging the event, meaning it’s the sponsorship raised that directly funds hospice care for local families.

Since 1981 Willen Hospice’s expert teams have been providing free care and support to improve the lives of local people affected by life-limiting illness. It costs £11 million each year for the Hospice to offer its full range of services, and only 12.7% of this is met by ongoing NHS funding. So as a registered charity, the Hospice relies heavily on the generosity of local supporters to help raise £9.6 million a year – making flagship events like the Midnight Moo more important than ever.

For many who take part, it’s a deeply personal event. Paul Wightman joined the Midnight Moo for the first time last year, walking alongside his two sons and 14 other team members in memory of his late wife. “Ange passed away in November 2024 aged just 51,” says Paul. “I can’t thank Willen Hospice enough for what they did. It wasn’t just about the exceptional care that my wife received – it was also the support and the caring nature they had for the rest of the family. I try to give back as much as I can.

“While a lot of the night is about the memories of my wife, it’s also about looking after the living as well. Focusing on positive things like walking, getting out and keeping fit. Some people have really trained to do this, because walking 10 miles is quite a big achievement. I’m very proud of them.”

The charity is releasing a limited number of discounted Midnight Moo tickets from Monday 2 March. Entry including a T-shirt and finisher’s medal is just £20 (usually £25), or £15 for entry with a medal only (usually £20). 

There are also plenty of volunteering opportunities on the night for those who want to support the event without walking the route.

To join the herd and sign up for a discounted place, or to find out how you can volunteer, visit willen-hospice.org.uk/moo