A POPULAR midnight walk is making a comeback as part of a hospice’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

St Cuthbert’s Hospice is hosting the event on Saturday, September 22 to help boost its funds.

The event was first held in 2007 and raised more than £480,000 for the charity until it stopped in 2014.

Senior fundraiser Jade McArdle said: “So many people tell us how much they miss Midnight Walk and would love for us to bring it back. The event holds a special place in many people’s memories.

“It’s remembered fondly for a real camaraderie between the participants, a party atmosphere, a chance to dress up, loads of light up accessories and just being a great night out for a great cause.

"The photos from previous years say it all really, lots of smiles and lots of fun.

“As St Cuthbert’s is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, we decided to bring back Midnight Walk. It will take place on September 22, which is the actual date the hospice first opened its doors back in 1988.”

Traditionally a women only event, this year everyone is invited to take part.

Hundreds of people have already signed up for the 5k and 10k walks, which starts at 11pm at St Leonard’s Playing Fields Durham.

A 23-strong team Sherburn Village, known as the Lambton Ladies, were among the first to sign up.

Led by Lambton Arms landlady Kathryn Allot, the team is walking in memory of her best friend, Sheila Walton, who died at the hospice in 2010, aged 52, after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Ms Allot said: “St Cuthbert’s helped us all so much, they gave us support in every area we needed. The year after Sheila died we took part in Midnight Walk in her memory which was really hard to do without her.

“Sheila had told her grandchildren to look at the stars at night and the brightest twinkling one would be her. Being in the dark at Midnight Walk and looking up to the stars really brings it back.

“There’s something special about being together in the darkness surrounded by hundreds of people all wearing lights. I’m looking forward to taking part again and will have Sheila in my thoughts.”

To sign up visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com