The Midnight Walk, a sponsored trek from Hartlepool Marina to Seaton Carew and back, takes place in aid of Hartlepool and District Hospice.

The event encourages mothers, daughters and grandmothers to grab a family member or friend and get sponsored to stroll seven miles to raise much-needed funds for the hospice.

Hartlepool swimmer Jemma Lowe recently back from competing in the Olympic Games, will get the women under way at the stroke of midnight.

Hartlepool and District Hospice offers care, comfort and support to local people affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one, and the event is seen as a vital date on its fundraising calendar.

Services provided include in-patient care, out-patient care, respite, use of the Lymphoedema clinic, family and carer support and bereavement support.

All services are provide free of charge.

The hospice must raise £2.6m in 2008 to ensure they continue.