The annual Boots Night Walk is happening next month — here’s how to get involved

This year, Boots Ireland continues their 12-year strong partnership with the Irish Cancer Society with a 3.5km night walk in aid of the charity’s night nursing service. With songs provided by the Dublin Gospel Choir, Night Walk 2024 promises to be a night of coming together to honour cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to cancer.

This annual community event raises vital funds for this important service which provides end of life care for cancer patients in their own home. The service is free to people who avail of it.

The 2024 Boots Night Walk takes place on Tuesday 10 September, departing from the Papal Cross Car Park in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, at 7pm. Alternatively, if you are not based in Dublin, you can opt to sign up and walk the 3.5km at a location of your choosing, and—if you’re unable to participate on the date, or aren’t up for walking—you can make a donation directly to the charity through the Boots Night Walk website.

To celebrate the launch of this year’s walk, Boots Ireland has partnered with influencer and mum-of-three Rachel Gorry, who said: “I am honoured to be taking part in this year’s Night Walk, supporting the incredible work of nurses who make a real difference in the lives of so many people. This is a cause that’s very close to my heart. I hope to see as many people as possible on Tuesday 10th September for what I know will be a very special night.”

To date, the Boots Ireland and Irish Cancer Society partnership, and through the support of their team members, patients and customers, they have raised €3.3 million. That’s the equivalent of approximately 9,100 nights of care.

Alongside the walk, Honour Tags are now on sale in Boots stores nationwide for €3 to raise additional funds for the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service. Customers can purchase a tag in honour of someone who has survived or passed away from cancer. The front of the tag includes space to write the name of the individual being honoured.

All funds raised from the Boots Night Walk will go towards the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing service providing vital support to cancer patients and their families when they need it most. Ambassador Rachel will be participating in the walk this year in honour of her late partner Daniel, who passed away due to esophageal cancer in 2021.

Managing Director at Boots Ireland, Stephen Watkins, said: “At Boots, we take great pride in our longstanding partnership with the Irish Cancer Society. The annual Boots Night Walk holds significant meaning for us as it allows our colleagues and customers to support and honour people affected by cancer. The funds raised go directly to the Irish Cancer Society Night Nursing Service, enabling us to make a tangible difference in the lives of many in our community.”

Speaking on the support given to the Night Nursing Service by the Boots Night Walk campaign, Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power, said: “The incredible outpouring of support from the Boots Night Walk allows the Irish Cancer Society to provide vital end-of-life care for cancer patients and their loved ones. We are so grateful to Boots Ireland, their employees, customers, and every person who supports the Night Walks. Your incredible generosity is bringing relief and comfort to families across Ireland at such a difficult time. On behalf of everyone affected by cancer, thank you for making this vital care possible.”

People can support by signing up to complete the walk, or donating via www.bootsnightwalk.com or by purchasing an Honour Tag in any Boots store nationwide. Sign-up fee is €15 with participants receiving an accompanying t-shirt.