Women taking part in the St Giles Hospice Solstice Walk
Women taking part in the St Giles Hospice Solstice Walk

A Solstice Walk in Lichfield is set to raise £100,000 for a local charity.

More than 900 women donned their fairy-inspired outfits for the event around the streets of Lichfield in aid of St Giles Hospice.

Women taking part in the St Giles Hospice Solstice Walk
Women taking part in the St Giles Hospice Solstice Walk

Helen Relihan, head of fundraising for the Whittington-based charity, said: “It was an amazing night.

“We had over 900 ladies dressed in fairy outfits and everyone had made such an effort. Lots of families and friends walked in memory of loved ones, while plenty of others were simply walking to support their local charity.

“I’d like to thank those ladies who took part and their generous sponsors, as well as the 150 wonderful volunteers and marshals who gave up their time to help on the night. We could not host an event like this without their support.

“We have had £100,000 pledged from the walk, which will fund over a week’s care across all our services. As we see over 500 people each week, a great many people will benefit from our high-quality specialist care thanks to this money.”

This year’s Solstice Walk also saw the addition of the Solstice Sunset Party which kicked off at 7.30pm.

Entertainment included hula hoop demonstrations and taster sessions, fairy-themed stilt walkers, zumba, face painting, complementary therapies, a DJ and nail art.

As the sun set, an emotional balloon release took place, with hundreds of balloons with messages dedicated to loved ones set loose into the Lichfield sky.

There was also a special memory board where participants could post messages and photos – and this has now gone on display in the hospice.

Helen added: “The date is already set for next year’s event – June 18, 2016 – and this will be our tenth Solstice Walk.

“Anyone who would like to join us for this special event can sign up already at online.”

A volunteer photographer took pictures at this year’s event which are available to buy and will help raise further funds for the hospice.

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