Return of the ‘Never Forgotten’ Night Walk 2026 to support Irish Hospice Foundation

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) has launched the Never Forgotten Night Walk 2026, inviting people and communities across Ireland to come together in a powerful gesture of remembrance and solidarity for everyone affected by grief.

Marking IHF’s 40th anniversary year, the charity is asking people to remember loved ones and also raise vital funds and awareness this November by taking part in a Night Walk.

Starting at 5pm on Friday 27th November, participants will gather in local communities nationwide, in large groups or small, to walk, jog, or run 5km in memory of lost loved ones and to stand with those who are grieving.

This special evening provides a meaningful opportunity for communities to honour those they have lost while also raising vital funds for IHF’s essential end of life and bereavement services.

Ambassador for the Never Forgotten Night Walk is long-standing supporter of IHF, businesswoman and ex-Dragons’ Den star, Norah Casey. She said:

“I am deeply honoured to stand with Irish Hospice Foundation for the Never Forgotten Night Walk 2026.

“Loss is something that touches every single one of our hearts, families, and communities across Ireland.

“Walking together in the quiet of the night is such a powerful, poignant way to remember the loved ones we hold dear and carry in our hearts every day, while surrounding those who are grieving with love, comfort, and togetherness.

“I encourage everyone to step out with us on Friday 27th November—to walk, jog, or run in loving memory of those we miss, and to help bring warmth, hope, and compassionate care to families when they need it most.”

Every euro raised through the Never Forgotten Night Walk goes directly toward funding Irish Hospice Foundation’s critical nationwide services, including Nurses for Night Care, which delivers expert end-of-life care in the home, and the free National Bereavement Support Line.

These vital contributions ensure that compassionate care, comfort, and professional guidance remain accessible to families across Ireland when they need it most.

With 100 people dying every day in Ireland and an estimated 10 people – adults and children – bereaved by each death, IHF’s services offer a crucial lifeline to individuals and families navigating grief across the country.

Paula O’Reilly, CEO of Irish Hospice Foundation said: “Our Never Forgotten Night Walk is a really special and meaningful opportunity for communities across Ireland to unite in memory of those we hold dear.

“Every step taken and every Euro raised on 27th November enables us to deliver compassionate support to people who are struggling through life’s most challenging moments.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone walking alongside us and encourage you to join in.

“It could be a quiet walk with a family member that they have shared with their loved ones in the past, it could be a bigger event with friends and family or colleagues but every step will help ensure that no one feels they have to face grief alone.”

Last year’s Night Walk was a phenomenal success, with participation almost tripling initial expectations.

IHF invites participants to join them in their 40th anniversary year to build on that success and raise vital funds for this important cause.