Hundreds join night walk for terminally-ill

The walk included the Town Gardens with people dressing in bright colours through the Town Gardens

Hundreds of walkers took part in a night-time event to raise money for terminally-ill patients.

More than 750 people signed up for Swindon charity Prospect Hospice's 16th Starlight Walk on Saturday. Among the crowd was hundreds of bereaved families, walking in memory of their loved ones.

Dressed in bright colours, walkers made their way around lantern-lit routes, which varied in length. The hospice said money was still coming in, but so far £110,000 has been raised.

Lucy Adams, who walked in memory of her grandmother who was cared for at the hospice, said: "The route was beautiful, the samba band got everyone in high spirits and the remembrance area was a touching tribute."

CEO Jeremy Lune said he was "blown away" by the turnout for the event, which included 10km (six miles) and 15km (nine miles) routes, and started and finished at The Deanery CE Academy, in Wichelstowe.

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved – from participants to volunteers and sponsors – for making this night so special," he said.

Its the 16th Starlight Walk run by the charity

The hospice, based at Wroughton, provides free end-of-life care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It costs £8m to operate annually, with 75% coming from community donations.

The charity covers Swindon and north east Wiltshire, including Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough and Pewsey, as well as Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire.