Hundreds of people to take part in Rowans Hospice midnight walk in Southsea

People on last year's Moonlit Memories fundraiser

The Rowans Hospice is holding its Moonlit Memories Walk on Saturday and about 800 people are expected to complete the six or 12-mile routes.

Held every year, the walk raises thousands of pounds for The Rowans Hospice and in its ninth year, the Purbrook-based organisation is hoping to build on previous success.

Ruth White, the charity’s chief executive said: ‘We are really looking forward with both excitement and anticipation to Saturday night and our flagship event where we literally walk around HMS Victory, probably the most iconic of all flagships.

‘We are delighted the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Cllr David Fuller and Alan Knight from Portsmouth Football Club, together with Nelson the Mascot, will start the walk with a countdown.

‘Prior to the start, walkers will be entertained on Castle Field by the Big Noise Samba Band, Portsmouth City Band and the Hoop Shakers.

‘It’s going to be a night to remember and I hope everyone will enjoy the event, whatever the weather. The atmosphere is going to be incredible.’

The walk, which starts at 11pm, gives people taking part the chance to raise cash in memory of a loved one.

The route starts at Castle Field and will take walkers along the seafront, through Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and to Old Portsmouth before heading back to Southsea.

Both the six-mile and 12-mile walks stop at Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral so participants can light a candle for the person they are remembering.

Ms White added: ‘This will be our ninth Moonlit Memories Walk that stretches across the seafront and visits many Southsea landmarks en route to include Portsmouth Anglican Cathedral.

‘Walkers will also pass the Spinnaker Tower, which will be lit up in blue especially for the walkers.

‘A barbershop quartet will sing in the cathedral while walkers light candles in memory of loved ones.’

Registration for the walk is closed but donations can be made to The Rowans Hospice through a text donation.

Text MMWK16 £5 to 70070 or any other amount you wish to donate.