�Fancy a girls night out with a difference? Then St Francis Hospice has just the thing – its annual Star Trek ladies’ midnight walk.

Hospice chaplain Sister Rosemary Lenehan was among the first to hand in her entry form as the event was launched this week.

The 10km walk, on Saturday July 7, starts and finishes at The Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford.

It is a chance for women of all ages to enjoy a great night out in a party atmosphere with friends – and support their local hospice at Havering-atte-Bower.

The goal is to raise as much money as possible for the hospice.

But there will be plenty of fun along the way, including street dancers, a zumba demonstration, a pre-walk warm-up with event sponsors Gympohobics and even a Michael Bubl� tribute act.

Rosemary has been involved in the annual walk since it began four years ago.

In 2009, she raised a staggering �3,500 – making her the year’s highest hospice fundraiser.

Last year, three women in her Upminister parish walked in her name and Rosemary’s Pack was born.

Passionate

This year, she will join the Pack and aim to raise more money than ever.

Rosemary is a passionate believer in the value of the hospice.

She said: “People in the community are offered a fantastic number of services without charge, including medical care, physiotherapy and chaplaincy visits as well as care in the community and the facilities at the hospice itself.”

Rosemary continues to take part in the walk despite being 66 and having all her chaplaincy duties to carry out.

She said: “I still believe that fundraising is very important as the money goes straight into patient care – so it’s worth doing.

“As part of the chaplaincy team, I talk to many patients and their families so I can see how the money raised really does make a difference. And, of course, it’s an enjoyable night out for everyone.”

Money raised enables the hospice to care for patients like Josephine Barrett, from Seven Kings, who has cancer and attends the day hospice each week.

She said: “The hospice means a lot to me and the staff and volunteers are really kind. Nothing is too much trouble for them.”

The route is fully marshalled and suits all abilities. Entry is �15.

n To take part, you can book online at the hospice website at www.sfh.org.uk, call 01708 771427 or email events@sfh.org.uk.