A night-time walk raising funds for a hospice caring for those with terminal illnesses has been launched.

The Starlight Walk returns to Letchworth on September 6 with members from the Garden House Hospice team revealing details for the annual event at The Highfield School last week.

The school has chosen the hospice, which cares for patients across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage, as its charity of the year.

The six or 10-mile walk around Letchworth starts and finishes at North Herts Leisure Centre on Baldock Road, with walkers heading off at 10pm.

The fundraiser is open to both men and women, as well as children aged 14 and over.

“It hardly seems possible that we are preparing for our sixth Starlight Walk,” said the hospice’s community fundraiser Jo Wiffen.

“Since 2009 an amazing 2,154 pairs of feet have crossed the finishing line and raised a phenomenal £228,000.

“There have been changes to the event over the years – we now start at 10pm and encourage gentlemen to take part. However, what never changes is the difference this night makes.

“It ensures that Garden House will be there to offer high quality specialist care to patients and their families, at the hospice and in their own homes, when they need us most.”

Gerry Parker, a teacher at Highfield, said: “In 2012 a few of us decided to complete the walk in memory of one of our colleagues who was supported by Garden House Hospice. We had a great time – the whole atmosphere was amazing – right from the warm up to finally walking through the doors into the gym at the end. What struck me was how supportive everyone was – even at 3am there were lots of people cheering us on and congratulating us on completing the walk.

“This year we have set up a walking club at school for staff to encourage fitness, friendship and stress relief. It’s been a great experience so we decided that we would take it that one step further and raise money for one of the school supported charities, the Garden House Hospice.

“At the moment we have 11 people in our team, but that is likely to grow. We want to raise as much money as we can for the hospice and also have a fun night out.”

Entry is £10 for early bird registration before July 26, and £15 thereafter until the closing date on August 30.

To register for this year’s walk visit www.ghhospice.co.uk or call 01462 679540.