East Cheshire Hospice's 3rd Midnight Walk lit up the roads in and out of Macclesfield on Saturday night. Nearly 600 people in Midnight Walk t-shirts or fancy dress and wearing flashing bunny ears set out to complete the 10k hike raising funds for this essential local charity.
Joined by Coronation Street star, Samia Smith who led the walkers out of Macclesfield Leisure Centre, the intrepid trekkers were not daunted by the dark night air and were guided along the route by marshals who ensured no one lost their way. With a message on the back of her t-shirt to her dad, Joe, who was cared for at the hospice last year, Samia thanked all the walkers as they assembled at Macclesfield Leisure Centre for the start at midnight.
Samia, who is a patron of the hospice, said: "Thank you all so much for taking part tonight. The hospice is a wonderful place which gave such fantastic care to my dad last year."
Also walking was Manchester United reserve goalkeeper, Ben Amos. Representatives from property firm, Magnus, who provided financial backing for the walk were also part of the crowd.
"It was great to see everyone again for another Midnight Walk and it really could not have gone any smoother for us. The atmosphere both before the walkers set off and when they returned was just brilliant. Everyone was so enthusiastic and the new route got the thumbs up all round," said hospice fundraiser Lara Rigby, who organised the event:
Anyone who took part in the walk is encouraged to get their sponsorship into the hospice as soon as they can. It is hoped the total from the night will top £60,000.
Photos: Samia with fancy dress winners, Samia in her Midnight Walk t-shirt with message to her dad, Joe, and Ben Amos.
