Hundreds of women braved the rain for the fourth St Francis Hospice Star Trek midnight walk –raising more than �60,000 in the process.

Around 500 women dressed in red Star Trek T-shirts, and some in fancy dress as ladybirds, angels and cowgirls, took part in the 10km sponsored walk in Romford Town Centre on Saturday.

Walkers and supporters were entertained by singer Joe Fryd and enjoyed a mass warm-up of zumba before Havering mayor, Cllr Lynden Thorpe, joined hospice chief executive, Pam Court, to set the walkers on their way from The Liberty Shopping Centre.

Among the walkers was a group of family and friends called Vi’s Girls, walking in memory of Violet Squire, from Romford, who was cared for by the hospice before she died in February.

Her daughters Carole Squire and Gina Quarmby were on the walk and Carole, from Romford, said: “It was brilliant, there was a good turnout and a great atmosphere.

Welcoming

“We were pleased to be able to support the hospice because the care we received was unbelievable. The medical staff made mum comfortable and made us feel welcome, we could even bring the dog along to visit.”

A team called Kathleen’s Roses carried pink star balloons and walked in memory of Ellen Myers, from Upminster, who attended day hospice and was an inpatient before she died in April.

Her daughter Teresa Mottram, from Upminster, said: “The walk was fantastic, even though it rained. I would do it again.”

Tina Champness, was one of the staff from the Mawney Medical Centre, St Edwards Way, Romford, wearing cowgirl hats. She walked in memory of her dad, Dennis Cook and father-in-law, Harry Champness, who both received hospice care. Tina said: “I was determined to raise as much money for the hospice as possible as the staff and volunteers made both dads’ last few weeks so much more comfortable.”

Visit: www.sfh.org.uk, email fundraising@sfh.org.uk or call 01708 753319.