St Peter's Hospice launches fourth annual Midnight Walk

Bristol's much loved charity St Peter's Hospice has launched its annual Midnight Walk and is asking women from all over the city to join them in walking to raise vital funds.

The Midnight Walk, now in its fourth year, will take place on Saturday 13 July where it is hoped that thousands of women will come together to support Bristol's only adult hospice.

The fun walk kicks off as always at 10.30pm from Ashton Gate Stadium, with participants walking through the midnight hour and taking in all the sights of Bristol including the ss Great Britain, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Harbourside.

Offering both a five-mile and a ten-mile option the event is suitable for all and has become one of the most popular fundraising events in the calendar. Organisers are encouraging women to dress in pink for the fun, girls night out.

St Peter's Hospice events fundraiser Louisa James said: "This year's Midnight Walk is going to be bigger and better than ever – it's our 35th anniversary year and we're determined to make it a fab one!

"This is one of our most popular events with thousands signing up every year. The atmosphere is always great, with a warm camaraderie between walkers, marshals and organisers. Groups of friends and family come together for a great cause and we've even had some hen parties in previous years, which makes the night even more fun."

St Peter's Hospice now cares for more than 2,670 patients with life limiting illnesses and provides emotional and practical support for their families. Each year it costs £6.8 million to run the hospice with 77% of that coming from public support.

Director of patient care at St Peter's Hospice Julia di Castiglione helped to launch the event. She said: "Events like this one are so important to allow us to continue our work with patients and their families. We rely on the generosity of the public to help us buy equipment, pay for nursing staff, run our Hospice at Home service and much, much more.

"Every penny counts and £5 can buy a week's worth of medicine pots or a warm fleecy blanket, while £10 can help us listen to a patient in distress and provide advice.

"As the only adult hospice in the city we care for thousands of people every year but we always need the funding to be able to do this. We find that so many people have some sort of connection to the hospice, which I think, is why events like the Midnight Walk are so well-attended – people want to support us and give something back.

"I'm so looking forward to this year's Midnight Walk and hope other women join me in raising money for this great cause."

Although a women-only event, organisers are looking for marshals – men or women - to help out on the night as well.

Registration for the Midnight Walk is just £15 with walkers receiving an events pack, including a t-shirt.

For more information on St Peter's Hospice or the Midnight Walk visit www.stpetershospice.org