EAST Lancashire women are being urged to sign up to this year's hospice Starlight Walk — and follow in the footsteps of Blackburn mum Jane Partington.

Jane, of Feniscowles, is taking part in the late-night sponsored walk raising money for the East Lancashire Hospice in memory of her best friend, Kathryn Thomson.

The mother-of-two, who works for children’s services at the borough council, was devastated when her friend of eight years and godmother to her two-year-old daughter Phoebe, lost her battle against cervical cancer in February.

Jane said: "She was an absolutely wonderful person and had such a sunny disposition and a great sense of humour.

“She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in May and then it quickly began to spread to her bones and she died in February.

"It was all really quick and very sad for everyone who knew and loved her.”

Up to 1,000 woman are expected to take part in the 10-mile trek for the Park Lee Road facility on May 22 at 10pm.

Jane said: “This would mean a lot to Kath as she spent a few periods in the hospice and she was planning to raise money for it herself but unfortunately she passed away before she could."

Jane is currently in training for the trek and is regularly walking three miles to get herself fit.

She said: “The hospice is a really good cause and provides a fantastic service."

The walk is fully marshalled, starting at the Soccerdome, Haslingden Road and also the DW Gym, in Mayson Street.

Entrants must wear tiaras, wigs and glitter to bring a touch of sparkle to the streets.

Denise Gee, events organiser at the hospice, said: “The night-time walk is always very special, and as all the walkers are walking for a common purpose, the sense of occasion is magnificent.”

Last year, more than 800 walkers took part, raising over £80,000 for the hospice.

To join in the walk fill in a registration form, which is available from the hospice or the DW gym, call 01254 342847 or email denise.gee@eastlancspct.nhs.uk.