WALKERS braved a cold night to trek across Basingstoke in the dark to raise money for a hospice.

Spirits were high as those taking part in the St Michael’s Hospice Moonlight Walk gathered at Festival Place for the start of the event on Saturday evening.

While many people were enjoying a night out in the town centre, participants in the Moonlight Walk were instead wrapping up warm preparing to make their way around Basingstoke in an 8.5 mile course.

With many in fancy dress, and lots wearing pink bunny rabbit ears, those taking part enjoyed a warm up in the shopping centre, led by an instructor from Beechdown Health and Fitness Club, before setting off at 10pm.

The 260 walkers followed the marshalled course which took them out as far as Basingstoke Rugby Club in Kempshott where they could warm up with a much-needed hot beverage from Mars Drinks.

Participants then made their way back to the shopping centre, where they were welcomed across the finish line by volunteers from Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane, who provided refreshments at the end.

Sue Harrison was first across the finish line, completing the route in one hour and 39 minutes.

The mother-of-one from Kempshott said: “It went very well. It’s about the fifth time I’ve taken part and it’s for such a worthwhile charity.”

The accountant for J Davy hopes to have raised £200 in sponsorship, and added: “There was a great atmosphere. It’s an event I look forward to taking part in and raising as much money as I possibly can. The hospice team do a fantastic job on the night and it’s much appreciated.”

It is hoped that the event will raise £22,000 for St Michael’s Hospice, in Aldermaston Road, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.

The money will go towards the £2.4 million St Michael’s needs to raise each year to provide its services.

Chris Griffiths, marketing and events manager at the hospice, said: “The event was a huge success, there were over 260 people taking part and we had some fantastic fundraisers with a few raising over £1,000 each on their own.

“We had fantastic support from Festival Place, Basingstoke Rugby Club and the Rotary Club of Basingstoke Deane.”

He added: “Overall we were thrilled with the turnout and people were in fantastic spirits.”