HUNDREDS of Starlight walkers illuminated the streets fundraising for a hospice which cared for their loved ones in their final hours.

Women from across the region took part in the East Lancashire Hospice VIP Starlight Walk wearing glowing glasses, bunny ears and waving flashing wands.

Around 650 women and girls came out in force to complete the eight-mile marshalled walk, which had seen £47,747 pledged in sponsorship.

Walkers who set off at 10pm from The Soccerdome in Guide saw the sun rise before returning to enjoy breakfast after they crossed the finish line.

Every penny raised goes towards caring for hospice patients who are suffering from life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Many of those who took part had seen the hospice care for their loved ones first hand.

One walker, Faye Chadwick, said: “My mum passed away in the hospice in August last year after a long battle with cancer. The staff were fantastic in her final days so I'm walking in memory of my mum and as a big thank you to the staff at the hospice.”

Lisa Fielding from Accrington said: “Today is 100 weeks since my amazing brave mum lost her fight with cancer. This is the second time I've walked in her memory on the Starlight Walk and it seems very fitting it falls on this day.”

Another fundraiser Siggie Lowe, from Blackburn, said: “I’m walking for my dad who died in December 2010 in the hospice and as a thank you for all the tireless work staff do to support everyone, patients and families alike.”

The honour of officially starting the seventh East Lancashire Hospice walk was given to 45-year old Gill Davies, from Blackburn, who has completed all seven hospice walks in memory of her husband Mick who she lost to cancer seven years ago to the day.

The walk passed through Guide, Ewood, Livesey, Cherry Tree and Witton and the hospice itself, giving participants a moment of reflection and emotion as some remembered loved ones and others thought about those currently receiving care either in the hospice or in their own homes.

The walk got underway at 10pm after a warm up and entertainment for the walkers. An army of volunteers also gave their time to help on the evening from registering walkers to cooking and handing out medals, breakfast and refreshments.

The East Ribble District Freemasons provided the majority of the marshalls and Lancashire Police had a team guiding the walk and managing traffic.

Event fundraiser Denise Gee said: “It was a wonderful evening and the atmosphere was fantastic.

“This year we named it the 'VIP Starlight Walk' to highlight how important the ladies are to the hospice for raising such a magnificent amount every year.

“Due to the kind donations of supporting companies every penny they collect in sponsorship goes directly towards caring for our patients, making a huge difference for both the patients and their families.

“Thank you doesn't seem enough to the ladies or all the volunteers who make the event possible, but we're truly grateful to everyone for being part of our wonderful event and the Soccerdome for hosting the walk again free of charge. I will look forward to seeing everyone next year.”