FUNDRAISERS are being urged to join a midnight meander in a starlight stroll through wonderland that will raise thousands of pounds for charity.
The magical world of Lewis Carroll is set to come to life in South Park, Darlington, as St Teresa’s Hospice stages its annual Midnight Walk.
The themed event, which has raised more than £100,000 since it began in 2008, will this year take place on Friday, June 17.
All walkers are encouraged to dress as their favourite character from Alice in Wonderland with the best weird and whacky costume winning a prize.
Decorations along the route, as well as activities on the night, will all be themed to the classic children’s fantasy novel.
Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw said: “This is our ninth annual Midnight Walk and will hopefully be our biggest and best so far.
“We want hundreds of Alices, Mad Hatters, Cheshire cats and white rabbits, along with a whole host of other characters, walking through South Park and having a great time.
“People can walk in memory of someone they may have lost, or just have a girls’ night out and a bit of fun, but every penny that we raise will go towards helping people with severe health issues and their families in Darlington.”
Walkers completing the 1.5-mile route through Darlington’s South Park will receive an Alice-themed goody bag for taking part and a hot drink and bacon butty at the finish line.
Registration for the walk costs £10, with entrants asked to try and raise £50 sponsorship money for the charity.
“People could perhaps raise sponsorship through their own Mad Hatters tea party or even a coffee morning with homemade Queen of Hearts jam tarts,” added Mrs Bradshaw.
Registration is available on line by visiting the hospice website at www.support.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/pages/midnight-walk, or by completing a registration form from the hospice or one of its charity shops.
Walkers who register on or before the early bird deadline of May 1 will also be entered into a prize draw to win a girls’ night out hamper.
The event is supported by Houndgate Townhouse and 1st Stop Party Shop.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the event are asked to contact the Income Generation Team on (01325) 254321 or events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.