Mum of teen who died to complete Ipswich Midnight Walk

The Midnight Walk, run by St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest, is returning on May 18, with large crowds ready to take on the route to support the work the charities do.

Shelley Fountain will be walking the seven-mile circular walk around Ipswich in tribute to her son Mason, who passed away on July 21 last year after battling a brain tumour for 13 years.

Mason and Shelley Fountain (Image: Submitted)

Mason received care and support from St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest, putting a smile on his face, bringing reassurance, fun and laughter.

Shelley said: "The staff at St Elizabeth Hospice and Zest were always there for Mason and our whole family and by taking on the Midnight Walk, we want to help make a positive difference to the lives of others.

MORE: George Hirst attends memorial for Ipswich's Mason Fountain

Mason with the team from Zest (Image: Zest)

"As we understand, from our own experience, how important the charity's services are when support matters most.

"As Mason's condition deteriorated, we began to use the services of Zest and St Elizabeth Hospice to a greater extent and in many ways, the hospice became like a second home to us for the last three months of Mason's life.

"I don't know where our lives would be without their support, which is why, alongside our friend Louise and my middle daughter Scarlett, I will be taking part in this year's Midnight Walk.

Mason with his sister Scarlett, who will also take part in the Midnight Walk (Image: Contributed)

"We feel prepared, although emotions will be running high, but will be doing something to give back to this special charity who supported us through the toughest of times."

The fundraising walk enters its 17th year and will once again see hundreds of people throw on bright clothes and walk around the town, starting and finishing at Portman Road, the home of Mason's beloved Ipswich Town Football Club.

Hospice nurses and volunteers at MNW 2023 (Image: St Elizabeth Hospice)