BOLTON Hospice's Midnight Memories walk will go virtual after the coronavirus pandemic forced the annual event to be thwarted.

The walk usually sees hundreds of people take to the streets of Bolton for an eight-mile trek where participants remember their loved ones and celebrate their lives.

Even though this year's event can't go ahead as planned, organisers have been busy making sure the walk can still take place in some format - and participants won't even have to get dressed.

People are now being challenged to walk 10,000 steps in their pyjamas on Saturday, June 20.

Felicity Ransom, marketing manager at Bolton Hospice said: “You can walk from your doorstep, any route, any time, as long as you adhere to the current social distancing guidelines and our safety advice which is available on our website.

"Pyjamas aren't compulsory but will be a fabulous photo opportunity and a great way to let other people know you're taking part. We’re also working on a downloadable 'in memory' bib that you can decorate yourself and an online dedication page to share memories and stories of your loved ones.

"We hope everyone will be as excited as we are about this year's virtual walk. With our community’s help, we're hoping to raise some much needed funds for the hospice and have lots of fun along the way."

Last year the Midnight Memories Walk raised over £50,000. Bolton Hospice need to raise £4million every year to continue to provide care and support. The hospice anticipate losing around £500,000 of income over a three month period, due to cancelled fundraising events and the closure of their charity shops and café. Heather Middlehurst, corporate social responsibility and L&D manager at Stateside Foods said: “Stateside Foods is proud to be sponsoring Bolton Hospice’s virtual memories walk.

"Things may be different this year but now more than ever, the hospice needs our support so we’ll be stepping out from our doorsteps to walk 10,000 steps for Bolton Hospice on Saturday June 20.”

This will be a free to attend sponsored event, for the latest updates follow the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/boltonhospice.

To donate please text PJWALK with your chosen amount to 70085.