FUNDRAISERS will take part in a midnight walk in aid of patients affected by life-threatening illnesses.

Bolton Hospice has urged residents to sign up for this year's Midnight Memories Walk which will see dozens of people take part in the eight-mile walk wearing brightly-coloured clothing.

The event - in its 12th year - has raised more than £1.3 million for patients and their families.

Participants have until Saturday, March 31 to benefit from the early bird registration fee of £15 which includes a coloured t-shirt.

A hospice spokeswoman said: "You can walk in memory of a loved one, to support the hospice or as a survivor of a life-limiting illness.

"Bolton Hospice needs to raise £3.4 million every year to continue to provide free expert care and support for people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses and thanks to your fundraising, we can keep helping families at the most difficult time of their lives."

The army of midnight walkers will set off from Market Place at 10am, and march along Chorley New Road before taking a pit-stop at Meadowhill Nursery for refreshments. The group will then undertake the send half of the loop, returning to the starting point.

Walkers are asked to wear pink if they are walking in memory of a loved one, blue if they are supporting Bolton Hospice, or yellow if they are a survivor of a life-threatening illness.

Among them will be 71-year-old Kath who was diagnosed with cancer and treated at The Christie Hospital. She will be wearing yellow and walking with her granddaughter.

Kath said: "I saw the Midnight Memories Walk and just wanted to do it. Being a survivor is something to be celebrated."

Fundraisers will each be given a lantern, which will all be released on the route before a minute's silence is held.

For more information, or to register for the event, which takes place on June 16, 2018, visit www.boltonhospice.org.uk/event/hospice-events/midnight-walk-2018 or email fundraising@boltonhospice.org.