HUNDREDS of people donned their flower power shirts and grass skirts for an incredible annual hospice fundraiser.

St Helena Hospice's Midnight Walk was held on Saturday and this time there was a Hawiian theme.

The 800 participants dug out their flowery garlands and snazzy sunglasses and chose between a 4.5 or nine mile course around Colchester.

Everyone had the chance to place a personalised tag on a special memory tree to pay tribute to their loved ones.

Before setting off from Stanfords in Wyncolls Road, walkers were given an energetic warm up and there was also fire jugglers and a limbo competition.

It is hoped some £65,000 will be raised from the event which will go directly to the hospice.

Gazette:

Hospice events fundraiser Lisa Chenery, said: “It was an incredible night and the atmosphere was electric.

"Every year it truly amazes me to see so many people donning their fancy dress, uniting and walking to support St Helena.

“We’re hoping to raise around £65,000 from everyone’s sponsorship money this year and raising vital funds to help us to be there every step of the way for anyone who needs us, helping life to go in the face of death, dying and bereavement.”

Hawaiian food was provided when walkers returned.

To view all the Gazette's pictures in our gallery sponsored by Atlas Autos click here. 

Lisa added: "We would like to say a big thank you to our 70 amazing volunteers who gave up their Saturday night to make sure all our walkers were safe out on the route." Lene Johnson, whose daughter, Marie-Louise, was cared for by St Helena before she died at The Hospice in 2016, spoke on stage about how the hospice has supported her and her family, and to thank all the walkers for taking part in the event and raising sponsorship which will help families like hers.

She said: “I feel very privileged to be asked by St Helena to share our story tonight.

“Marie had two short stays at the Hospice during her 13 months of living with cancer. Her final wish was to die at the hospice. Marie was very lucky to get the very best care at St Helena and she was treated with respect and dignity to her very last breath.

“As a family and as individuals we were cared for in our darkest hours, I can tell you straight from my heart that St Helena made our loss so much more bearable knowing all they did for Marie. I will forever be grateful.

“When you wake up in the morning and you’re aching, and your blisters have blisters all of their own, just trust me, you have made a massive difference to somebody else’s life and to somebody else’s family.

"All the funds that you raise will make a difference to people like Marie, so thank you all.”

Rebecca Litton, who walked as part of team Gilberd School in-memory of her friend and colleague, Lynn Love, said: “The hospice has done a lot for people that I know and love and it’s an absolutely fantastic establishment anyway.

"We have recently lost a really dear friend and she spent her last few hours in the hospice so it actually means a great deal to do this tonight - and I absolutely love doing it anyway.”

Paul Ost, who was supporting a group of 20 walking in-memory of his wife, Judith, said; “I think it’s great that they’re all doing it. My wife used to work in the pharmacy department at Colchester Hospital and she passed away this year, and they’re doing it in memory of her.

"It’s touching the fact that they’re doing it in memory of her.

" She did it a couple of years ago. My son is also doing it tonight.”

Kim Robson added: “She (Judith) was a lovely lady and she would be loving what we’re doing. It’s special to have Paul seeing us off on our full nine miles.”

Katie and Isla were the first 4.5 walkers to return from the Midnight Walk. Katie said: “It’s good fun, a great cause and the atmosphere is brilliant – we would definitely recommend it!”