WELDMAR is calling all women to take to the streets to help them raise money.

With only five weeks to go before this year’s Midnight Walk on Saturday July 18, the charity is looking for more women to lace up their boots and join them.

On Saturday July 18 hundreds of women will tackle the ninth annual charily walking challenge, taking place in Weymouth.

So far almost 600 women have registered to take part, but Weldmar is looking for more women to help raise money for patients and loved ones.

Event organiser Matt Smith said: “The atmosphere at our Midnight Walk each year is electric.

“Everyone is there for the same reason, to have a great time and raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare in the process, so that we can continue caring for our patients and their families across Dorset.

“If people have heard about the Midnight Walk before but never taken part, I would urge them to sign up this year, it won’t disappoint.”

Weymouth Esplanade will be turned into a sea of Weldmar t-shirts and glowing head-gear as ladies take on one of the three different routes – either five miles, six-and-a-half miles or ten miles.

Weldmar also needs more volunteers to help at this year’s event. Tasks such as registration and marshalling the route require around 200 volunteers each year to ensure the event runs smoothly and everyone is safe.

Mr Smith said that volunteers were vital to the event’s success. He said: “We are low on numbers for volunteers this year and urgently need people to come forward to be part of this fantastic event.

“We want more women to register to take part in the walk and more people to offer their time on the night to help with various tasks.”

Last year’s Midnight Walk raised £75,000, which helped Weldmar provide care and support through their wellbeing services or through their in-patients services at Joseph Weld Hospice in Dorchester.

Mr Smith said: “Support from members of the community is vital to ensure we can continue providing our care across Dorset.

“The Midnight Walk is our biggest fundraising event and is vital to ensure that we can be there for people who need our services in the future.”

Registration is £18 for adults and £14 for 14-18 year olds, which includes a t-shirt, flashing tiara, refreshments during and after the walk plus a whole evening of entertainment - including a pre-walk disco and live music.

Ladies can register online at weld-hospice.org.uk/midnightwalk or by calling 01305 261800.