PILATES teacher Louisa Griffin has recruited four members of her class to join her in the Manchester Midnight Walk on Friday, June 20.

They are raising money for St Ann's Hospice which cared for Louisa's mum Sheila Payne, from Urmston, who died of breast cancer two years ago.

Louisa, a mum-of-two from Flixton, is taking part in the 10k walk through the city centre for the first time. She has regularly taken part in charity runs but after suffering a ruptured Achilles prefers a slower pace.

Louisa said: "My mum spent the past few weeks of her life at St Ann's and was only 62 when she died, having been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50.

"The care and support she received from the hospice was amazing and the girls from my pilates class readily agreed to join me in the walk."

The deadline for entries for the walk, sponsored by Betfred, is Friday, June 6. The event starts from Manchester Central, which opens at 9 pm for entertainment, and takes in famous city centre landmarks The walk has raised more than £1.5m for St Ann's Hospice since it started seven years ago and more than 2,000 walkers are expected to again take part this year.

Registration costs £18, reduced to £15 for past walkers, with a fee of £10 for walkers aged 11 to 17. To register go to www.mmwalk.org.uk or call the St Ann's fundraising team on 0161 498 3631.