This month, we’re putting Sharne Wilkinson into our fundraiser Hall of Fame for taking on The Christie Charity's Night of Neon event with a huge team of 57 fundraisers.
Sharne's family first became connected to The Christie when her now‑fiancé got a cancer diagnosis just 2 days before Christmas in 2022. Sharne said that in an instant, the festive season became a blur of fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
After his diagnosis, Sharne's partner was referred to The Christie. He had treatment at the hospital and thankfully his cancer went into remission.
From that moment on, Sharne said that she made herself a promise: she would do everything in her power to raise money and awareness for The Christie Charity to say thanks to the hospital that had given her family hope when they needed it most.
Around the same time, her colleague Claire was on her own fundraising journey. Claire had already signed up to run the Manchester 10km in support of The Christie Charity, inspired by the care her grandad received during his treatment for skin cancer. She was also motivated by the experiences of her Slimming World group members and friends who also had loved ones treated with dignity and kindness throughout their cancer treatment.
Sharne and Claire decided to take on The Christie Charity's Night of Neon event in February 2026. A 5k walk at night round the Piazza at MediaCityUK, Salford, hundreds of glowing walkers assemble in support of The Christie Charity for an unforgettable neon-lit adventure.
Together, Sharne and Claire managed to get an amazing 57 people signed up to walk the Night of Neon together. The group was made up of Slimming World members and a group of mums and children aged just 3 to 12. Sharne said every single person completed the walk, beaming with pride and the experience was truly special for everyone involved.
"For us, this is only the beginning. Our commitment to The Christie is lifelong, fuelled by personal stories, shared experiences, and the belief that no one should face cancer alone.
"We will continue to bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities from across Manchester—walking, running, raffling, collecting, and cheering because The Christie has touched our lives in ways words can barely express.
