MORE than 100 women have signed up for Weldmar’s Midnight Walk since registration opened around a month ago.

All women in the area are invited to take part in the annual fundraiser on July 20 to support Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Registration opened for the seventh Midnight Walk last month and more than 100 walkers have already signed up for the event on Weymouth’s seafront.

Matt Smith, event organiser and manager, said this year is shaping up to be the most successful yet.

He said: “Based on previous years this has been the best response within the first month.

“I am pleased to say that we have now passed 100 walkers for the Midnight Walk.

“136 have signed up so far, which is double the amount from this time last year.

“We would like to get near to the 800 mark so hopefully we can reach that.

“I am really pleased with the number of people who have already registered and I am hoping that this means we are on track for a bumper year.”

There will be three routes to choose from this year: five miles, six-and-a-half miles and 10 miles, all starting at midnight.

Since the first event in 2007, the women of Dorset have raised more than £500,000 for Weldmar.

This year Weldmar is appealing for help to make the walk the biggest and best yet and aims to raise more than last year’s total of around £66,000.

The sum would care for 14 patients for a fortnight at the Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

Mr Smith said: “Our fundraising target is £80,000 and the more money we can raise the more services we can provide for people in Dorset.

“We have our new 2013 t-shirts. The colour for this year is red and there’s been a really good response.

“There are a lot of new changes to this year’s walk to ensure it is a fun night out for all the ladies.

“There’s going to be a lot more entertainment.”

He added: “We normally find that people want to take part because they have lost a loved one.

“People can write why they are walking on their shirts.

“The whole family can come together and there’s always a great atmosphere.”

How to register

There is a discount if you sign up for the Midnight Walk before April 30. The discounted fee is £14, or £16 after April 30, and £12 for children aged 14 to 18.

This covers the cost of administering a place, a 2013 Midnight Walk T-shirt, flashing bunny ears, refreshments during and after the walk and other goodies.

Marshals are also needed.

To register or volunteer call 01305 261800, visit http://weld-hospice.org.uk/fundraising/midnight-walk/midnight-walk-form or fill out a form from any Weldmar shop or the Joseph Weld Hospice, in Dorchester.