A TEENAGE girl whose mother died earlier this year has become the 500th person to sign up for a sponsored walk for the hospice where she spent her last days.

Elaine Tait, of Roman Road, in Brandon, County Durham, died on Wednesday, February 6, aged 49.

Her daughter, Rachel, 16, has signed up for a Midnight Walk in aid of St Cuthbert's Hospice, in Durham, where her mother was cared for.

Rachel, who is studying for her GCSEs, said: "The hospice is a really important charity and gave my family a lot of support when we needed it during mum's illness, so I will be walking in her memory.

"When I heard about the walk, I knew I wanted to take part and help the hospice."

Rachel, who is being supported by father, Steve, will walk with school friend Heather Rimmer.

She is the 500th participant to sign up for the ten kilometre, women-only Midnight Walk, around Aykley Heads, Durham, on Saturday, June 21.

She said: "It sounds like it will be a fun event and I'm looking forward to walking in the dark as part of a group.

"We'll all be walking for such a good cause."

St Cuthbert's Hospice provides palliative day and residential care and attends to the emotional and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients.

Rachel said: "The facilities themselves are brilliant. The staff give very personal care to both the patient and the family."

Last month, Rachel raised money for the hospice by taking part in a parachute jump.

The starting ribbon for this year's walk will be cut by TV agony aunt Denise Robertson at midnight.

Hospice fundraiser Lucy Baxter said: "We're absolutely delighted that Rachel has decided to take part in the Midnight Walk.

"Many of the ladies taking part are walking in memory of a loved one, so it will be a very special evening for them.

"We are hoping that it will be an enjoyable evening, with entertainment from jugglers and fire eaters, and a real sense of camaraderie between the walkers as they go around the course."

Anyone wishing to take part in the Midnight Walk are asked to sign up by tomorrow. Entry costs £10 plus sponsorship.

To sponsor Rachel or another participant, or for more information, call St Cuthbert's Hospice on 0191- 386-1170.

Last year's Midnight Walk raised more than £60,000.