INJURED runner Laura Golding is nursing herself back to fitness by training to take part in this year’s Starlight Walk.

The Taw Hill mum-of-three is planning to take part in the 15km challenge on June 27 to raise money for Prospect Hospice, which has supported relatives of her friends.

“I had to stop running a few years ago because I suffer from shin splints, so I had to stop running,” said the 43-year-old.

“I have been going out walking with my dad on Thursday mornings with a walking group.

“I used to enjoy running, but walking is more sociable, as you get to meet other people and talk with them about their lives.

“Within the group there has been a lot of talk lately about cancer, and that is particularly relevant for me, because my best friend has recently had surgery to remove cancer, and has lost both her dad and her father-in-law to the disease in recent years.

“I wanted to do something to help a charity that does so much to help people locally who have cancer.

“When I saw the Starlight Walk was taking place I decided to sign up.”

Each year the Wroughton-based hospice hosts the walk, with more than 600 women tackling the 10km and 15km routes on the streets of Swindon last year.

The event was such a success that organisers will again run this year’s event on the Light up the Night theme, something which particularly attracted Laura.

She said: “It really appealed to me because of the ‘Light up the Night’ theme. I like the idea of loads of people coming together to walk for a good cause, wearing bright clothes. I am really looking forward to it.”

“It’s just something a little bit different.”

Many of those who took part last year – including a seven-strong team from the Adver – signed up as part of efforts to raise £160,000 in aid of the Adver’s 160 Appeal for Prospect Hospice.

Clad in neon tutus and leg warmers and decked out in glow sticks and sparkly jewellery, they helped to raise £55,000 to be spent on nursing care.

This year, walkers will leave from the Croft Leisure Centre at 9pm. Registration costs £15. It is suggested participants try to raise £100 in sponsorship.

Prospect Hospice event fundraiser, Genevieve Arney, said: “It’s great to have Laura and her friends joining us for the Starlight Walk next month, and I would urge anyone who wants to be part of our annual night walk to sign up before registration closes at the beginning of June.

“We would love as many walkers as possible to join us, and if you want to get involved without walking why not volunteer to marshal?

“Marshals play an important part helping to man the route and cheering the walkers along.”

For more information or to sign up, visit www.prospect-hospice.net/Supporter/Fundraising-Events/Starlight-walk