MEN are desperately being sought for a female-only walk.

Prospect Hospice is urgently looking for men to marshal the route of its biggest fundraising event of the year, the Swindon Starlight Walk on Saturday, June 26.

The hospice, based in Wroughton, provides end of life care for residents in Swindon and the surrounding area.

The Starlight Walk, in its third year, is a chance for women in Swindon to walk through the night to raise funds for the charity and remember their loved ones.

It leaves and finishes at New College, in Queen’s Drive and this year there is a choice between a 15km and 10km route. Around 700 women are expected to take part.

In 2009, the event raised £65,000 to go towards the £4.5m the hospice needs to run each year.

Sheryl Crouch, Prospect’s head of fundraising said: “Last year we had 50 male marshals, which was a fantastic response from the men of Swindon.

“But this year, with both a 10k and a 15k route, we’re hoping for even more help.

“Marshalling is the best way men can show their support for the event on the night. Men who volunteer to be marshals provide encouragement and support along the way.

“All marshals are in pairs so if you have a buddy you want to partner up with you can do that, otherwise we can find someone for you to pair up with on the night.”

Marshals will need to be available from 8.30pm until around 12.30am on June 26.

Anyone interested in volunteering should call the fundraising team on 01793 816161 or email fundraising&events@prospect-hospice.net.