WELDMAR Hospicecare Trust is calling on all women to take to the streets to help them raise money.

With only five weeks to go before this year’s Midnight Walk on Saturday July 18, the charity is looking for more women to lace up their boots and join in.

On Saturday July 18, Hundreds of women will tackle the ninth annual charity walking challenge taking place in Weymouth.

So far almost 600 women have registered to take part, but Weldmar is looking for more women to take part in this year’s event and raise money for patients and loved ones.

Event organiser Matt Smith said: “The atmosphere at our midnight walk each year is electric.

“Everyone is there for the same reason to have a great time and raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare in the process, so that we can continue caring for our patients and their families across Dorset.

“If people have heard about the midnight walk before but never taken part, I would urge them to sign up this year. It won’t disappoint.”

Weymouth Esplanade will be turned into a sea of Weldmar T-shirts and glowing headgear as ladies take on one of the three different routes – either five miles, six-and-a-half miles or ten miles.

Weldmar also needs more volunteers to help at this year’s event. Tasks such as registration and marshalling the route require around 200 volunteers each year to make sure that everyone is kept safe.

Mr Smith said volunteers were crucial to the event’s success. He added: “We are low on numbers for volunteers this year and urgently need people to come forward to be part of this fantastic event.

“We want more women to register to take part in the walk and more people to offer their time on the night to help with various tasks.”

Last year’s midnight walk raised £75,000, which helped Weldmar provide care and support through their wellbeing services or through their in-patients services at Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

Mr Smith said: “Support from members of the community is so important. to ensure we can continue providing our care across Dorset.

“The Midnight Walk is our biggest fundraising event and it is vital that we can be there for people who need our services.”

Registration is £18 for adults and £14 for 14-18 year olds and for more information. It includes a t-shirt, flashing tiara and refreshments. during and after the walk plus a whole evening of entertainment - including a pre-walk disco and live music Visit weld-hospice.org.uk/midnightwalk or call 01305 261800.