ORGANISERS of a night-time charity walk hope this year’s event will be the “biggest and best yet” as they bid to raise thousands of pounds for a hospice.

Staff at Garden House Hospice in Letchworth GC, members of the Hospice Business Forum and Cllr Judi Billing from North Herts District Council came together for the launch of the 2012 Starlight Walk this week.

The annual event, now in its fourth year and backed by the Comet, has already seen ladies walking a total of 12,578 miles to raise more than �163,000 for the hospice, which provides care for the terminally ill in Stevenage and North Herts.

This year’s walk takes place on Saturday, September 8, and is open to women aged 16 or over on the day of the walk.

The event starts and finishes at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth GC at 11.30pm with two routes, of six and 10 miles, both aimed at “surrounding the hospice with love and support” said Colin Roberts, head of fundraising for the hospice.

He added: “The hospice and sponsoring local companies – including the Comet – are aiming to make this walk the biggest and best yet. Every penny raised will make a difference to the patients and families who need specialist care provided free of charge by Garden House, so register now.”

Registration is �15 and includes a glow in the dark T-shirt, water, medal, goody bag and refreshments after the event.

The hospice is also appealing for men to volunteer as marshals to keep the ladies safe on their walk through the night.

For more information or to sign up contact the fundraising office on 01462 679540 or visit www.ghhospice.co.uk/fundraising-news