Hundreds of women will be united in Romford town centre on Saturday (July 6) when they take part in the St Francis Hospice midnight walk.

More than 450 women have signed up to join in the fourth 10km sponsored Star Trek walk for the charity.

It is hoped their efforts will raise around �70,000 to provide medical care, emotional support and advice to patients and their families, free of charge.

Among those taking part is Julie Tointon-Mahandru, from Hornchurch, and 13 friends and relatives.

Julie’s husband Dee benefited from the hospice’s specialist care before he sadly died of cancer in July 2010 – almost four months after the birth of their daughter Sophia.

Julie, whose grandparents also had hospice care, took part in the walk last year and said: “It was really good fun, the atmosphere was electric. St Francis Hospice does amazing work so I decided to take part in the walk again to do my bit to support it. If it wasn’t for the help of the hospice, Dee wouldn’t have been able to meet Sophia. Dee’s quality of life improved so much once he received hospice care.”

A team of probation workers based in Romford are also joining in and one of their members said: “We work locally and many of us live locally so when we found out about the hospice Star Trek walk we thought we’d support this worthwhile cause. Some of us have personal experience of working with St Francis Hospice and others are walking in honour of friends or family who have been cared for by the hospice. We hope to raise as much money as possible.”

Willie Myers, from Cranham and his grandson Jack are helping out on the night and two of his daughters, Teresa and Maria, are taking part along with 15 friends. Willie and his family feel strongly about supporting the work of the hospice after his wife Ellen was a day hospice patient. He said: “The staff at the hospice were so helpful and kind to us.”

Members of event supporter Gymophobics are also entering the walk, which will start and finish at The Liberty Shopping Centre, Romford, at midnight. Walkers will enjoy some entertainment beforehand with singers including a Michael Buble tribute act and a zumba warm-up.

If you have missed out on joining the walk there are other events coming up that may be of interest including the Big Yellow Q quiz night on August 17 with TV Egghead Barry Simmons, the Wags and Tails sponsored dog walk on September 16, and 1940s themed Forget me not Ball on September 29.

To find out more visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 753319.