A LANTERN Midnight Memories Walk will take place this year to celebrate Bolton Hospice’s 25th anniversary.

The hospice has organised the event, which over the years has raised £1.2m for patients and their families – the equivalent of 75,000 hours of specialist care.

Now in its 12th year, organisers will be giving participants an LED lantern to take part.

Walkers will be able to choose which lantern best represents why they are taking part. Pink lanterns are in memory of a loved one, blue a supporter of Bolton Hospice and yellow if someone is a survivor of a life-threatening illness.

Maria Passarello, events manager at Bolton Hospice, said: “We are delighted to be staging our eleventh Midnight Memories walk. This is a very special event for both the hospice and our supporters.

“We have raised more than £1m from this event over the past 10 years and it has become a crucial source of income for the hospice.

“This year we have introduced a special lantern in three different colours to best represent why you are taking part. and 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.”

The hospice is also calling on people to challenge themselves this year.

Gemma Smith, a 32-year-old dental nurse, is taking on the Ironman event in aid of the hospice this year. She said: “After my father died in March they have been a rock to my family.

“The hospice isn’t a sad place and they were brilliant in looking after my dad in his final days and offer continued support for my mum which is brilliant. It is filled with warmth and care.”

For more information on the Midnight Memories Walk or to take on a challenge go to: www.boltonhospice.org.uk/mmw or email fundraising@boltonhospice.org.