COME and join us – that’s the offer from St Ann’s Hospice to fundraisers frustrated by the cancellation of another major charity walk.

Last month it was announced that the Shine walk, in support of Cancer Research UK, has been scrapped in Greater Manchester this year.

St Ann’s Hospice is inviting all walkers who took part in that event to join their supporters in their popular Manchester Midnight Walk on Friday, June 21.

Jayne Bessant, chief executive at St Ann’s Hospice, said: “It’s all systems go as far as we’re concerned for our walk and the more people who can join us the merrier.

“Anyone affected by the Shine event not taking place is more than welcome to join us instead.

"Last year was one of our best on record in terms of the number of participants, emphasising the huge amount of support for St Ann’s Hospice from within the community.

“We rely heavily on donations from the public to provide our range of services so the money raised from this flagship fundraising event means so much to the running of the hospice. Above all, it’s a fun night and we’d like as many people as possible to join us again this year, whether it’s groups of friends or families.”

St Ann’s Hospice has staged its event for six years, raising more than £1.2 million for Greater Manchester’s largest adult hospice during that time.

Last year almost 2,800 walkers took part, raising more than £220,000 through sponsorship for the charity.

Entries are now open for this year’s event which changes back to a Friday night rather than a Saturday which has been the case for the last couple of years.

The route over 10k will be same, starting at Manchester Central and going past famous city centre landmarks such as Manchester Cathedral, Granada Studios, Castlefield and Manchester University.

Many entrants use the walk as an opportunity to remember their loved ones. At the heart of the walk is a Garden of Remembrance where walkers can light a candle and leave a message in memory of someone close.

Others get involved to simply have a memorable night out, do their bit for charity, and take in some of Manchester’s most famous landmarks!

The 10k walk starts at 11:30pm from Manchester Central which opens at 9 pm for entertainment. Registration costs £15 before Friday, March 22, and £18 after that date although past walkers need only pay £15. A rate of £10 applies for walkers aged 11 to 17 and this fun event is popular with families.

* To register go to www.manchestermidnightwalk.co.uk or call the St Ann’s fundraising team on 0161 498 3631.