LADIES from around the north west helped raise £150,000 for St Luke’s Hospice following the charity’s annual Midnight Walk.

St Luke’s biggest fundraising event, The Midnight Walk took place on Saturday, 27 June, beginning in Nantwich. Around 1000 ladies took part in the Wins ford hospice’s flagship fundraiser.

Ladies chose on the night whether to walk 6.5 miles or 13.1 miles as a personal challenge or to remember a loved one.

Walkers warmed up with entertainment provided by Redshift Radio, before they set off on route through Nantwich and Crewe.

Jane Thompson, Head of Events said “The Midnight Walk was delighted to once again use the beautiful grounds of Reaseheath College which were spectacularly lit up for the night.

“St Luke’s, with the help of Wilson House Scouts, turned the beautiful marquee used for the students annual prize into their walk base.

“Despite slightly decreased numbers the atmosphere on the evening was probably one of the most special yet.”

Assisted by the police, more than 130 stewards encouraged and kept the women safe on the route and provided lots of quips to keep the ladies entertained.

The £150,000 raised by walkers will go towards patient care at St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice, based in Winsford, which requires £7,500 a day to keep its services running.

Care is provided free to patients and their families who need St Luke’s across mid and south Cheshire.

Jane added: “St Luke’s can’t extend enough thanks to all of those who supported us on the night and in the build up to it.

“They include Reaseheath College, MMU (Crewe Campus), the police, Redshift Radio, Wilson House Scouts, St John Ambulance, Event Equipment Hire, Morrisons supermarkets, McDonalds Winsford, Sugro and their chocolate, Roberts Bakery, 200-plus St Luke’s Hospice volunteers and friends.

“Without their support we quite simply could not put this event together.”