MORE THAN 1,000 women in Harrow are joining together for a sponsored walk for St Luke's Hospice on Friday.

St Luke's Hospice’s Midnight Walk will begin at 10.30pm on Friday at Harrow Leisure Centre, in Christchurch Avenue.

The nine-mile walk, which will take 1,024 women on a route through Wealdstone, Stanmore, Honeypot Lane and Kenton Road and back to the leisure centre.

Hospice spokeswoman Chhaya Parmar said: "Last year, 487 ladies raised more than £80,000 and we are hoping to raise a record-breaking £100,000 on this year.

"There is something special about a group of women joining together for a common cause."

Although men are excluded from taking part in the walk, they can still volunteer on the night to help with registration or marshalling.

The hospice, in Kenton Lane, specialises in free care of people of Harrow and northern Brent with serious and progressive illnesses.

It also provides support to the families of those affected.

Ms Parmar said: "Less than 30 per cent of our funding comes from the NHS, so we depend on the public.

"Their support is vital.

"Raising £100,000 can mean that the hospice can recruit three highly trained nurses in palliative care treatment so that St Luke's can continue providing services free of charge to those who need it most.”

Registration for the event has now closed but volunteers are still welcome to help on the night.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can call 020 8382 8023 or visit www.stlukesmidnightwalk.org