TEENAGERS and pensioners stood shoulder to shoulder as they marched through Northwood to raise more than £50,000 for charity.

Almost 500 women took part in the second annual Ladies in the Night Walk on Friday (June 3), in aid of Michael Sobell House hospice (MSH), based at Mount Vernon Hospital.

Women of all ages, abilities and backgrounds transformed Northwood into a sea of pink, the event's trademark colour, as they strolled through the town.

After donning glow-in-the-dark accessories, participants enjoyed a warm-up disco before embarking on either a five-and-a-half or nine-mile route, beginning and ending at MSH, with marshalls and signs in place to lead the way.

Signed X Factor merchandise, two British Airways return flights to Europe and luxury beauty products were among the prizes up for grabs at a raffle held after the walk.

A centre of excellence for patients with life-limiting illnesses, MSH needs to raise £1.2million every year to continue offering its vital palliative care services.

MSH business manager, David Mosely, said: "Both myself and MSH general manager, Helen Elliott, agree this was an absolutely fabulous night, with a lot of new faces.

"We were especially pleased to welcome the new Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Mary O'Connor, who gave a rousing speech to motivate all the ladies involved.

"We would like to thank everyone for their support; in particular our wonderful band of volunteers and marshalls, and the hundreds of women who took part in the walk, including staff from MSH and Mount Vernon.

"They all helped to make this year's walk a fantastic success and the money we have raised will make a huge difference."

Events and community manager, Ophelia Chambers-Henry, added: "We appreciated that several hundred ladies decided to support our small local charity this year, considering the current economic climate.

"The feedback has been great, which makes our hard work seem all so worthwhile."

The hospice will host a fabulous vintage fair on Sunday, July 10, including a fashion show, swing dance demonstrations, makeovers, a classic car exhibition and antique valuations.

For further information about this and other future events, visit www.michaelsobellhouse.co.uk