ALMOST 800 women will be putting their best foot forward this evening for Prospect Hospice’s Starlight Walk.

But it is not too late to sign-up for the event, with late registration running from 9pm to 9.20pm on the night.

Last year 650 walkers raised £65,000 towards the £4.5m needed to keep the hospice running.

The Starlight Walk is the biggest fundraiser of the year and Prospect is pushing for the biggest turnout tonight to mark its 30th anniversary.

Sheryl Crouch, the head of fundraising, said: “Almost 800 ladies have signed up to the Starlight Walk this year – not forgetting the handful of men who were only allowed to enter if they came in drag – which is more then ever.

“And we’re hoping that over the next few weeks when the sponsorship money starts coming in, we’ll discover we’ve raised more than ever, too.

“Starlight is a hugely important event for us.

“It’s our biggest fundraising event of the year and one of the ways that people out there can really connect with the hospice and make a difference.”

The hospice is so pleased by the growing support on the Starlight Walk that it is launching the Marlborough Starlight Walk on September 11 this year.

“Anyone who’s been on the Starlight Walk before knows the buzz in the hall beforehand; 800-odd people getting ready for the walk, a real party atmosphere,” said Sheryl.

“We’ve also got Nikki Wilkes – husband of TV star Jonathan Wilkes – doing the warm up for us, which should be a lot of fun.”

But for some it’s also a time for reflection. After the walk there will be a balloon release in memory of loved ones.

“It’s a very poignant moment for many of our ladies,” said Sheryl.

The event will begin at the New College campus, with participants choosing between the 10 kilometre and 15 kilometre course.

The 15k walkers will set off at 9.30pm after a 10-minute warm-up and the 10k walkers will make tracks at 9.50pm after their warm-up.

Minolie Tudugalle, who has signed up to the 15k, said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of walking 15k and being part of a large group supporting a very worthwhile cause.

“The buzz and the atmosphere before the walk should be great.

“I wanted to do this just because I think Prospect is a great cause to support in addition to the physical challenge.”

Anyone who would like to join the Starlight Walk should be fit to complete the distance and must pay a £50 registration fee on the night.

For more information visit the website at www.prospect -hospice.net/starlight.