MORE than 600 women joined a moonlit stroll through the streets for the first Ladies in the Night Walk.
The walk last Friday was held to raise awareness and funding for Michael Sobell House hospice, at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood, which provides specialist palliative care for patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
Already, next year's walk has been planned and a date set, with organisers app to women from across the area to take part.
More than £72,000 has been pledged for this year's walkers, although the final figure is still being tallied.
The hospice needs to raise at least £1.2million every year to maintain patient care.
In a sea of pink - the event's trademark colour - the women set off at about 11.30pm, walking five-anda-half miles from the hospital, in Rickmansworth Road, past Moor Park station and Merchant Taylor's School then along Watford Road and Green Lane.
Some participants challenged themselves with a nine-mile journey, via Northwood Hills Tube station and Northwood Football Club.
Before setting off, the walkers assembled on the main lawn at the hospital for speeches and choreographed warm-up exercises.
David Yarrow, the Mayor of Hillingdon, said: "I am very impressed with the organisation and sheer number of participants for this event.
"The passion for this important cause is there for all to see. I am very pleased and honoured to be involved and I wish everyone well."
Volunteer and fund-raiser Nickie Windram also gave a moving account of the care and attention given to her mother at Michael Sobell House.
David Mosely, business manager at Michael Sobell House, added: "I was over-whelmed with the support for the event, which was so well attended, and give grateful thanks to our staff, volunteers and sponsors."
* Next year's Ladies in the Night Walk is on June 3, 2011.
Visit www.michaelsobellhouse.co.uk or call 01923 844 829. ..
