July 13, 2026

Charing Cross Hospital will be the starting point for one of London’s most atmospheric charity challenges this autumn, as Maggie’s brings back its London Night Hike on Friday 25 September. The twilight walk, which begins at Maggie’s West London at 5.30pm, invites participants to stride from West to East along the Thames, raising vital funds to support people living with cancer.

The event offers two routes — 8 miles or 15 miles — both finishing at Maggie’s Barts centre near St Paul’s Cathedral. Whichever distance walkers choose, the Night Hike promises a spectacular journey through the capital’s landmarks. Battersea Power Station, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London all feature along the riverside path, with the city’s lights reflecting off the Thames as night falls.

Participants receive a Maggie’s t-shirt, hiking buff, snacks, hot food and drinks along the way, plus a medal at the finish line. The event is fully supported, with marshals, front and back markers, refreshment stops, training plans and fundraising guidance provided. Walkers can also visit their local Maggie’s centre ahead of the event to learn more about the charity’s work.

The 8-mile route begins between 7.15pm and 8.15pm, with a fundraising target of £200. The 15-mile route starts earlier, between 6.15pm and 6.55pm, with a target of £350. Maggie’s advises that the walk is a moderate challenge: the shorter route takes around 4–5 hours, while the longer route takes 7–8 hours, including breaks. The event is open to anyone aged 13 and over, with adults responsible for accompanying under-18s throughout.

Maggie’s centres across London provide free practical, emotional and psychological support for anyone affected by cancer — patients, families and friends. The Night Hike helps fund that work directly. The charity highlights how donations translate into real support: £150 can fund two “Getting Started” sessions for up to 20 visitors, helping people navigate the emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment. £300 can fund a course for eight people dealing with menopause brought on by cancer treatment.

For many walkers, the Night Hike is both a personal challenge and a way to honour loved ones. For Maggie’s, it is a vital lifeline that keeps its centres open, welcoming and free for everyone who needs them.

The registration fee is £35, and places can be booked through Maggie’s West London. Anyone with questions about the event or fundraising can contact Kate Oliver at Kate.Oliver@maggies.org.

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