THE countdown is on for the seventh Midnight Memories walk.

More than 1,500 walkers will be donning their trainers to raise money for Bolton Hospice on Saturday.

Midnight Memories has raised more than a £1 million for the charity and this year organisers hope it will net a further £150,000.

Bolton Hospice events manager Maria Passarello said: “We are all looking forward to our seventh Midnight Walk, which we promise will be a night to remember.

“As a Walking Warrior I am proud of everyone that is joining us on the night to walk for their own personal reason and to raise much needed funds for our hospice.

“It takes an army of walkers, volunteers, staff and supporters to stage this event and make it a huge success and on behalf of everyone at Bolton Hospice a big thank you, you are making a difference.”

The hospice has a running cost of £2.5 million and a fundraising target of £1.5 million for this year.

The fun begins at 8.30pm in Victoria Square with the Tower FM stage coach and the morning DJ’s Jon and Vix.

There will be entertainment from local band Peur and an energizing warm up from the instructors at Virgin Active.

Walkers will have the opportunity to dedicate a light or a heart to someone special and these will be displayed on Victoria Square, Bolton Hospice and Meadowhill nursery.

Merchandise will be on sale throughout the night, flashing bunny ears, halos, wands, glasses and cowboy hats are stocked up for people to buy.

The hospice’s £5,000 summer draw will take place on the night, drawn by the Mayor of Bolton.

And hospice bosses are encouraging everyone to stay safe on the night.

People should wear suitable footwear, bring a torch for extra light in darker areas, be aware that Chorley New Road is still open to traffic on the night and all walkers must stay on the pavement at all times.

Anyone showing signs of being heavily under the influence of alcohol will be removed from the walk in the interest of safety.

And running is not allowed.

There is a medal and a free bacon buttie and cup of tea for everyone who finishes the walk.

People are welcome to register on the night at a fee of £35 without the requirement to raise sponsorship.

Midnight Memories costs about £20,000 to stage and is sponsored by Specsavers and Mercure Bolton Hotels.

• For a full list of everyone taking part see Saturday’s Bolton News and for full coverage of the event make sure you get a copy of Monday’s paper.