Solstice Walk one to remember

More than 400 women – some wearing pyjamas, nighties and dressing gowns – strode through the night to raise cash for St Giles Hospice.

The first ever Solstice Walk to be organised by the charity has been hailed a huge success, and will be repeated again on June 21 next year.

The party spirit saw women embark either on two circuits of a six-mile route, or on a less strenuous single lap.

Mavis Harvey, aged 76 from Etching Hill, Rugeley, said: "The atmosphere on the night was incredible.

"I entered the walk alone but soon started chatting with two other ladies and we were laughing and joking all the way around the course – I am surprised we had got any breath left to walk. For anyone who missed out this time, make sure you are there next year."

The walk was open to all ages and levels of fitness.

Sarah Shelton, community fundraiser for St Giles Hospice, said: "It was a terrific night – the atmosphere was amazing, there was a real sense of fun to the occasion and the fact that it was the summer solstice added to the romantic, moonlit ambience. But more than that, the women who took part were a huge inspiration to us all, and made this event a night to remember.

"Our fantastic ladies all received a stylish glass keepsake – perfect to use as a paperweight and with an image of a walker inside, we hope it reminds them of the fun they had on the night.

"Thanks to all those involved, the Solstice Walk was the biggest fundraising event St Giles has ever hosted and looks set to raise in excess of £50,000."

Before the women set off, the skies were filled with colour as 300 balloons were released with attached messages of thanks to the hospice, good luck messages for walkers and touching tributes remembering family and friends.

The hospice has also thanked 1st Sports Events for organising the route, the Army Training Regiment in Lichfield in offering radio back up, the support of the local police and St John Ambulance Brigade.