In the pink for Midnight Walk

Among the many people helping to promote the Midnight Walk in aid of the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity (FNHC) is Christine Breen from Leighton Buzzard, joining a team from the area.

Those who sign up during January will pay £15 to take part in the event on Saturday, July 9, to boost funds for the hospice in Aylesbury.

FNHC’s PR and marketing manager Sam Heggie said: “It’s time to start thinking about setting a personal challenge in the new year to get fitter, and training for our summer Midnight Walk is a wonderful option to help you do just that – and in turn help support Florence Nightingale Hospice.”

If you have received a pink-eared postcard you can take it along to the official Midnight Walk launch in Friars Square Shopping Centre on Saturday, January 30, between 10am and 4pm, and claim your money-off on registration for the walk, or simply visit www.gemstonewalk.co.uk to register. The £15 offer ends on January 31.

Sam added: “As it is the seventh year of our Midnight Walk event, we will be announcing a special offer on the seventh day of each month, starting in February - running right up until the walk takes place, so a lookout.”

The hospice walk will once again start and finish at Aylesbury College.

Last year’s event saw more than 600 ladies dancing through the streets with pink flashing bunny ears and neon accessories in tow and this year will be the same, with a carnival/party theme as the Rio Olympics will be taking place.

Sam said: “The traditional pink flashing bunny ears will be on offer as well as a range of glow-in-the-dark and party-themed accessories, which walkers can buy on the night to add the finishing touches to their outfits. So, make sure you put your colourful tutus, headbands, bangles, feather boas and walking trainers and socks somewhere safe, because they’ll be itching to be worn come July!”

There will be a six or 13-mile (half marathon) challenge, with training tips available to download online and as part of every walker pack.

Entry includes registration fee, a Midnight Walk limited edition t-shirt, souvenir medal, refreshments on the route and a well-deserved breakfast on completion.

The event is open to individuals and teams – anyone over the age of 11, if accompanied by an adult, all helping towards a target to raise this year of £75,000, the equivalent of funding 50 weeks of inpatient nursing.

To find out more, and to register for the event online, visit www.gemstonewalk.co.uk