By Leicester Mercury | Posted 12 April, 2014
Hundreds of women will gather for this year's Twilight Walk to raise cash for the LOROS hospice.
The annual event has a 999 Emergency theme, with participants being encouraged to dress up as doctors, nurses, firefighters and policewomen.
Last year's St Trinian's costumes saw more than 1,000 mums, grandmothers and daughters parade through Leicester dressed in knee-high socks, hockey sticks, thick-rimmed glasses and boaters.
This year's route starts at the King Power stadium on Saturday, April 26, and takes the walkers through the city on a 10km circuit, with many choosing to stop at the odd pub or two on the way round.
But the event also has a serious side, as it aims to raise cash for LOROS – which needs to raise some £4.5 million each year to keep running.
Many of the women who sign up have lost friends and relatives and take part in the tradition of releasing pink helium-filled balloons, with messages to loved ones attached.
Pippa Whitworth, who took part in the walk last year, lost her husband, Dave, to pancreatic cancer in April 2013.
She said LOROS helped the family, as well Dave, and she wanted to give something back.
She said: "LOROS became involved very early on after exploratory surgery.
"They came to us as soon as we got home, sorting his medication, making sure he was comfortable, checking I was okay too and listening to everything we said and not judging.
"LOROS kept ringing and checking up on everything, and on April 8, last year, at 11.40am, Dave passed away in my arms.
"I just can't thank LOROS enough for all they did for him, especially those last few weeks.
"They took away his pain and treated him like a human being.
"My friends, family and I are doing this walk to thank LOROS for everything and to keep Dave's memory alive. Thank you again LOROS for everything, as you made the worst experience of our lives just a little bit more bearable."
Although the event is for women, men are being encouraged to sign up as volunteers for the day of the walk.
Last year's event raised about £50,000 and the hospice is hoping to equal if not beat the total this year. To take part, call 0116 231 8431 or visit the event page
