The organisers of the annual Spooky Welly Walk in Sefton Park have taken the decision to cancel this weekend’s event after receiving advice that strong winds and heavy rain could create unsafe conditions.
Safety concerns prompt cancellation
The family-friendly Halloween fundraiser, due to take place on Saturday 24 October, will not proceed following a site inspection and guidance from an independent health and safety adviser. The move came as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning covering parts of Merseyside.
Organisers said the choice was made reluctantly but with attendee safety as the priority. The event has been a staple of the city’s autumn calendar for 15 years, bringing together families while raising money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Financial impact for charity and next steps
The cancellation represents a substantial setback for the charity’s local fundraising. Last year’s Spooky Welly Walk raised £83,000, money that supported the foundation’s services for people affected by lung cancer.
"The safety of everyone attending must come first."
Paula Chadwick, the foundation’s chief executive, expressed regret for disappointing families and volunteers who had prepared for the event, and urged the local community to continue supporting the charity despite the cancellation.
- Event: Spooky Welly Walk
- Location: Sefton Park, Liverpool
- Planned date: Saturday 24 October
- Reason for cancellation: Met Office yellow warning; independent safety advice
How the community can help now
Organisers have appealed for continued support from ticket holders, sponsors and volunteers whose efforts had already been committed. The charity is asking those who bought tickets or sought sponsorship to consider alternative ways to donate, and is exploring options to reallocate or refund ticket income.
For many local families the event is more than a fundraiser; it is an annual social occasion. The foundation emphasised that while the in-person gathering will not take place, its services and helplines remain available to those in need.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Years running | 15 |
| Last year’s funds raised | £83,000 |
| Current status | Cancelled (24 October event) |
Local residents who wish to support the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation are advised to check the charity’s website and social channels for information on refunds, alternative fundraising activities and ways to donate. InfoRadar will publish updates if the charity announces replacement events or new fundraising appeals.
The decision underlines the practical difficulties of staging outdoor community events during periods of volatile weather and the heavy reliance that local charities place on such fixtures in their annual income streams.
