HUNDREDS of women will take to the streets of Blackburn to complete a 10-mile ‘starlight walk’ this weekend.

The event, at 10pm on Saturday, May 22, will raise funds for East Lancashire Hospice and residents along the way are being urged to come out of their houses, pubs and clubs to cheer the walkers on and keep their spirits raised.

One participant, PC Sue Moore, is to complete the event in her police uniform in a bid to reassure participants. The event is expected to last around five or six hours.

This year’s walk has a new start and finish venue at the Soccerdome and DW gym off Haslingden Road, Blackburn.

Walkers will head to Blackamoor Road and walk through to Lower Darwen.

They will make their way to Livesey Branch Road and the Fielden Arms, moving to Witton Park, Spring Lane, towards the old Infirmary hospital site before turning up to Park Lee Road where the Hospice is located, up to Blackburn Royal Hospital and then finishing again at the Soccerdome.

PC Moore, 44, who is based at the Eastern Division support unit in Blackburn, is taking part in memory of her mother Vera Cruse who spent her last four days at the Hospice.

She said: “It is a wonderful event and I am looking forward to taking part. My role will be to reassure the walkers that I am there if needed.”

Officers from the traffic department will also be on hand to deal with road closures associated with the event.

Events fundraiser at the Hospice, Denise Gee, said: “The Starlight Walk is a 10 mile ladies only, fully marshalled night-time walk.

“We are asking as many people as possible to support us, and really make the walk memorable, both for the participants and for spectators.”

There are still places available and you can register by calling Denise on 01254 342829 or email denise.gee@eastlancspct.nhs.uk Last year’s event raised more than £80,000, which needs to raise £1.9million each year to continue to operate.