FUNDRAISERS are putting on their walking shoes to support Bury Hospice — and are urging others to do the same.

Up to 500 women are expected to take part in the charity’s Midnight Walk on Saturday, September 5.

They will follow a 10-mile circular route from the Bolholt Hotel, in Walshaw Road, through the streets of Bury and past the hospice in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe.

The Midnight Walk is one of the hospice’s biggest fundraising events and will raise thousands of pounds to care for people with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

Among those taking part will be the Mayoress of Bury, Liz Pepper, who will swap her smart clothes for walking gear.

The 39-year-old is walking in memory of the hospice’s life president, Les Ratcliffe, who died in June after suffering a heart attack.

Mrs Pepper, who grew up in Ramsbottom but now lives in Blackburn, said: “Now that I’m the mayoress, I want to get involved as much as I can in the area where I was brought up.

“Les Ratcliffe was a big family friend and I feel it’s important to do this in his memory.

“I am looking forward to the walk, but I hope the weather stays dry. I have done a few 5k runs this year, so hopefully they will stand me in good stead.

“I would encourage other women to take part in the walk because it’s for such a great cause. People should also give generously to ensure we raise as much money as possible.”

Joining Mrs Pepper will be Jaime Plummer, from Ramsbottom, whose cousin died at the hospice.

Mother-of-two Mrs Plummer, aged 30, hopes to raise hundreds of pounds by taking part in the walk and holding fundraising events at the Masons Arms pub in Ramsbottom.

She said: “I did the walk last year and, while I was doing it, I found out that my cousin had died at the hospice.

“I wasn’t very close to him, but it was a real shock. It made me think more about the hospice and what goes on there. I realised just how much it helps people and decided to raise more money for it.”

Also walking will be Pam Simpson, whose sister, Karen Davies-Linihan, is a senior nurse at the hospice.

Mrs Simpson, of Davenport Avenue, Radcliffe, has taken part in a number of fundraisers for the charity, including walking to the base camp on Mount Everest to celebrate her 40th birthday.

She said: “I took part in the walk last year and had a really good time, so I decided to do it again. I already do a lot of walking, so I haven’t had to do much training.

“My sister is really supportive and will be cheering me on as I do the walk.”

The hospice is still looking for women wishing to take part in the Midnight Walk, which is being sponsored by Greggs, the bakers.

Volunteers over 18-years-old are needed to help with stewarding, route security, registration and refreshments.

Claire Hughes, the hospice’s director of fundraising, said: “In the current economic climate and in a day and age where someone you know is asking you to sponsor them on a weekly basis, we are delighted with the registration rate for this year’s Midnight Walk.

“However, we can always accept more walkers — the overall aim being to raise as much money as possible for Bury Hospice.”

Mike Kavanagh, retail development manager for Greggs North West, said: “Greggs are delighted to be sponsoring such a wonderful event as we take our responsibilities as part of the local community very seriously.

“As a Bury man myself, I am fully aware of the truly fantastic role that this special establishment plays in the Bury area and the critical support that it provides to so many patients and family members.

“We are proud to be associated with Bury Hospice and would encourage as many of the local ladies as possible to come on down and join in the fun.”

Walkers can take part in the event by filling in the entry form printed on this page and sending it to Bury Hospice Fundraising Centre, 89 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0NB.

Entry costs £10, which covers administration costs and includes a medal, T-shirt and sponsor forms.