FUNDRAISERS at Prospect Hospice are preparing for their biggest and brightest event of the year, the Starlight Walk, which returns with a difference for its sixth year.

The event, which sees ladies walking either a 10km or 15km route through the town at night to raise funds for the charity, will take place on June 22 with a fresh theme, new route and different venue.

Walkers will be setting off from the Dorcan Academy to the sounds of a Samba band, bringing a real Mardi Gras flavour to the evening’s festivities.

Sheryl Crouch, Prospect’s head of fundraising, said: “We’re looking for people to come dressed up for the occasion for what we’re hoping will be a real celebration of life.

“If you’re looking for inspiration, think feathers, sequins, garlands and decorated masks – anything goes really.

“And if you’re not planning on making your own outfit for the night, that’s fine too. This year’s event T-shirt will be suitably colourful, in line with the theme.”

Sheryl is hoping to kick off the event – already dubbed the Samba Starlight – by getting as many people as possible to register before the early bird deal ends on March 22.

She said: “We offer an early-bird discount every year, where people can sign up for £12 instead of £15 if they register before March 22.

“It would be great to beat all records by getting as many people as possible to sign up before that date, and really help us kick off this year’s Starlight in style.

“Whether you’re on your own, taking part with friends, or part of a team from work, we look forward to welcoming you to our biggest and best fundraising night of 2013.”

One of the first groups to register is a team from local, family-run company Capture CCTV Solutions Ltd.

Claire Davey, operations manager at the company, decided to bring the team together to support Prospect after her father was cared for at the hospice.

She said: “There are at least five or six of us from the company taking part, but only two of us have experience of Prospect.

“My dad and colleague Kelly Ann’s grandfather both died there, and we both know about the fantastic level of care and support that Prospect offers.

“We’re really pleased that staff at Capture CCTV have decided to support this very worthy cause.

“Everyone is just looking forward to fully getting into the Samba theme – including the two men who have signed up and who will be dressing accordingly for the night – and doing something fun and exciting to support the local hospice.”

If you would like to join Prospect for the walk, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/starlight where you can register for just £12 before March 22, or £15 afterwards.