TIME is running out for women wanting to put on their walking shoes and raise money for a good cause.

Bury Hospice is holding a massive fundraising event on Saturday September 9 where hundreds of women will walk a half-marathon through the streets of the borough.

There are still places left for people hoping to sign up and a deadline of September 8, the day before the event, has been set for registration.

Organisers at the hospice in Dumers Lane are aiming to raise more than £50,000, and if successful, the walk could become a regular feature on the charity's fundraising calendar.

The hospice cares for more than 250 local people with a life-threatening or terminal illness each year, and the money will help to continue the specialist care for people in the town.

Events fundraiser Sarah Brealey said: "I'm very pleased with the response we have had so far, and I can't wait for the walk to take place. We have around 200 women of all ages and walks of life, including a group of nurses who work at the hospice, and many of them have been training for the walk. We want as many people as possible to sign up. It will be a great night and they'll be raising money for a really good cause."

The walkers will set off from the Village Hotel in Bury at midnight on September 9 for the 13-mile route through the town centre and into Radcliffe before heading back to Bury.

They will be led by the Mayoress of Bury, Mrs Pat Walton, and lead walker, Marie Caldwell.

There will be a comfort stop half-way round at Asda in Radcliffe, and all walkers will receive bacon rolls and drinks at the end of the event.

Although only women can take part in the walk, anyone over 18-years-old wishing to support the hospice can volunteer to help with registration, stewarding and refreshments.

Anyone wishing to take part in the event should contact (0161) 797 1748, email midnightwalk @buryhospice.org, or write to Bury Hospice Fundraising Centre, 89 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0NB.

Registration costs £10 and includes a t-shirt, sponsor forms and administration costs.