BOLTON Hospice is saying a big thank- you to all the women who have signed up for this weekend’s Midnight Memories Walk.

And staff want to wish the 2,000 walkers taking part in Saturday night’s event the best of luck.

In its third year, the walk will be the biggest yet and it is hoped a fundraising target of £200,000 can be reached.

Among the walkers will be staff from St Maxentius School, Bradshaw, who got involved after hospice volunteer Gordon Hale visited on his bike to promote the event — and pupils are supporting their efforts.

Teaching assistant Daniella Chesney, who will be on the walk, said: “The children have taken part in fundraising events to raise money and to show support for us and the hospice.”

Hundreds of women will set off from Victoria Square at midnight to walk to the Beehive roundabout in Horwich and back, covering eight miles.

They will be supported by dozens of volunteers who have also been helping in the run-up to the event.

The hospice, which cares for people with life-threatening conditions, and their families, has some last-minute information for all those getting involved: l Walkers can park at one of three designated car parks — Morrisons, Central Street, and the Grosvenor Casino, and can register from 9pm l The walkers are advised to wear appropriate footwear and remember their walking numbers, In Memory bib and any medication they need l Those taking part also need their sponsorship forms so the amount pledged can be calculated l There will be entertainment and refreshments available in Victoria Square as well as merchandise on sale l During the walk, participants should keep on the pavements and not stray into the road and should register again at the end.

The winner of the Hospice Lottery Superdraw, with a top prize of £5,000, will be announced on the night. Anyone wanting a ticket priced at £1 is asked to telephone 01204 663077 as soon as possible.

Debra Graham, director of fundraising, said: “We urge all our walkers to collect as much sponsorship as they can so that we can achieve our target.

“A big thank-you also to all of you who are supporting the event by walking, volunteering or sponsoring. We really have created one of the biggest walking events in Bolton. It’s a fabulous achievement.”