Liverpool glows green as over 1,400 walk to support Clatterbridge Cancer Charity

Liverpool was bathed in a sea of green on Friday, 7 February, as more than 1,400 people took part in a special Glow Green walk to raise funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Armed with glow sticks and dressed in green t-shirts, wigs, leg warmers, and headbands, the fundraisers for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity followed an 8km route through the city, passing some of Liverpool’s most iconic landmarks – all lit up in green for the occasion.

So far, the event has raised an incredible £200,000, with even more donations expected in the coming weeks.

Clatterbridge Cancer Charity Events Manager, Mark Parkinson said:

“We’d like to thank everyone who Glowed Green for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

“It was our biggest Glow Green event yet and that’s all because of the people who took part.

“It was so heartwarming to see everyone having great fun while raising much needed funds for people with cancer in our region. It was wonderful that so many buildings and landmarks were lit green around the city and the wider region in honour of people with cancer. It really added to the special atmosphere on the night.

“Also, a huge thank you to all the volunteers, musicians and singers who gave up their Friday night to help make the night such a huge success. We couldn’t do it without you. See you all next year!”

The walk started on the historic waterfront, moving through the Royal Albert Dock, past the M&S Bank Arena, the Wheel of Liverpool, through Liverpool One, past both historic cathedrals, along Hope Street past the Philharmonic and Everyman theatres and The University of Liverpool, to The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool where patients waved to walkers from windows and the Make Noise choir sang outside.

It then continued past the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, St Geroge’s Hall, St John’s Beacon, the Town Hall, The Ivy restaurant, and Royal Liver Buildings before ending back at the Museum of Liverpool.

It was a chance for walkers to have fun while raising much needed funds to help the one in two people affected by cancer in our region.

The walk takes place annually to mark World Cancer Day on 4 February.

Last night’s event was officially started by TV presenter and Coronation Street star Kym Marsh who led the countdown on the stage outside the Museum of Liverpool.

Kym sadly lost her dad David to cancer last year. He received care at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and had always intended to take part in the walk in 2024 to say thank you to staff. Sadly, he passed away shortly before the event, but Kym and the rest of his family walked in his honour and returned for 2025.

Kym said:

“My dad was looked after by Clatterbridge, and he was very keen for us to say thank you and tell everybody how brilliant they are.

“Every single person takes part for a reason, whether it’s because they’ve had cancer or because someone they know has had cancer.

“My dad wanted us to support them, and support Clatterbridge and we will continue to do that.”

Kym was joined by members of her family and they and all the other walkers were treated to entertainment on the route by Victoria Jones, Liverpool Indie Choir, the Rock Choir, SingMe Merseyside, Make Noise, AJK Entertainment and D’Ukes of Hazzard. The night was hosted in style by Ian Gibbons.

There were also performances by Penny Farthing Circus Acts, the giant lights of the Techno-Spartans, and the chance to get glittery with The Glitter Hub.

Amid all that fun, there was time to pause for reflection and pay tribute to a loved one lost to cancer, being treated for the disease or to say thank you to the Clatterbridge staff outside the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The cathedral steps were adorned with lanterns hand decorated by walkers, creating a sea of light and hope.

Glow Green was sponsored by Arriva and all participants were given free bus travel for the day to get to and from the event. Arriva also provided bottles of water at the finish line for everyone who took part and goodie bags for staff and patients in The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Sweet treats were also laid on at the finish line thanks to Humdinger.

Buildings which lit green for the event around Liverpool and the wider region included:

• Active Learning Laboratory – University of Liverpool
• The Ivy
• Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
• St Geroge’s Hall
• M&S Bank Arena
• Wheel of Liverpool
• Quirky Quarter
• Liverpool Science Park
• Liverpool Town Hall
• Georges Dock Building
• Royal Liver Buildings
• Seacombe Ferry Terminal
• Woodside Ferry Terminal
• Philharmonic Hall
• Hilton Hotel 
• Yoko Ono Lennon Centre
• St John’s Beacon
• The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
• Empire Theatre
• Novotel, Paddington Village
• Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
• Merseyside Police Headquarters
• Our Lady and St Nichola Church
• Harrison’s Apartments
• The Pullman Hotel
• Bidston Lighthouse
• Steve Prescott Bridge, St Helens
• University of Chester
• Chester Town Hall
• Eastgate Clock, Chester
• Newgate Bridge, Chester
• Ellesmere Port Library
• Wyvern House, Winsford

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