HUNDREDS of people are expected to fill Bolton town centre this summer as the dark night will be lit up by family and friends walking in memories of the their loved ones.

The Midnight Memories Walk (MMW) is an eight-mile sponsored walk to raise vital funds for Bolton Hospice.

Now in its eleventh year, it is Bolton’s biggest fundraising event and over the years has raised more than £1.2m to help support patients and their families.

This year it will set out on June 17 and participants are already raring to go.

Sisters Susan Harvey, aged 40, and Alison Bailey, aged 38, will be taking part for the first time in memory of their father Jim Bailey.

Mr Bailey, from Breightmet, died at the hospice in October aged 81.

Mrs Harvey, also from Breightmet, said: "He had cancer and kidney failure. Dad fought all the way. The hospice was amazing with my dad making him comfortable and managing any pain he had.

"The walk is the least we can do to help such an amazing group of people.

"They are just phenomenal. It is such a difficult time of anybody's life but everyone, down to the volunteers making sure you have a cup of coffee and have been fed, are amazing.

"We are really looking forward it and just hope to raise as much money as possible for an amazing cause."

Kal Chudasama, from St Helen's Road, is also a first-timer for the walk and will be joined by eight friends.

The 48-year-old said: "We are doing the walk in memory of loved ones who receive the specialist care and dedication from Bolton Hospice.

"My cousin Manish Walji passed away six years ago to cancer and I'm doing it in memory of him. He was only 35.

"He was at the hospice for quite a long time after coming out of hospital and on his final days came home. They really supported us through it."

This year the hospice is introducing special Midnight Memories LED Lanterns while it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

All walkers can choose a lantern that best represents why they are taking part - pink if walking in memory of a loved one, blue for a supporter of the hospice, or yellow for a survivor of a life threatening illness.

Cathy Wright, shops manager at the hospice, and her sister Lisa Urmston are this year’s Lead Walkers.

She said: "I have been involved with the MMW for 11 years now. I’ve progressed from managing the bananas at the half-way point, to helping the struggling walkers - to this year Lead Walker.

"I feel proud and privileged to be asked to lead on this very special Silver Anniversary MMW. It’s fantastic to see local people pulling together to raise funds for people with life-limiting illnesses.

"This year I have been personally touched by cancer and dementia, so it is heart-warming and humbling to lead this emotive walk. I hope as many people as possible can sign up this year – let’s make our Silver Anniversary a special one to remember."

Earlybird registration is available for the walk at £10 for a limited time only.

Maria Passarello, events manager, added: "This is a very special event for both the hospice and our supporters.

"This year we have introduced a special lantern in 3 different colours to best represent why you are taking part. We will illuminate these at midnight to give you time to reflect.

"We want everyone to join us, men women and children to help us to celebrate our 25th anniversary and the great service we provide."

For more information and to register visit www.boltonhospice.org.uk/mmw or email fundraising@boltonhospice.org.