The Midnight Walk, organised by St Helena Hospice in Colchester, is celebrating its tenth birthday in 2018 and the popular event is the biggest fundraiser in the charity’s packed calendar of events.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWNThe Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Although traditionally a women’s only challenge, men are able to join the party too this year.

The theme for the 2018 walk is hats and hair dos.

Walkers are encouraged to dig out their most extravagant hat, or perhaps you have one which holds great memories of a loved one cared for by the hospice – or if hats are not your thing, why not go for a wild hair do, or don a colourful and crazy wig instead?

Lisa Chenery, events fundraiser at the hospice, said: “We’re super excited for the biggest party of the year, our Midnight Walk this Saturday.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWNThe Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

“Our team, along with an amazing group of volunteers have been working hard to make sure it’s going to be a night to remember for everyone.

“We can’t wait to see everyone on the night.”

However, no matter what head wear you go for, comfy shoes or trainers are a must for those taking part in either the 3-mile or 7.5-mile route, which raises vital funds for the hospice that cares for around 10,000 families every year.

Both will start and finish at a new location – Stanfords, The Livestock Market, in Wyncolls Road, Colchester. For those who have walked before, there will be a new route through the St John’s estate and down Harwich Road.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWNThe Midnight Walk is St Helena Hospice's biggest event. Pictured is Sally Thomas at the start of the 2017 walk Picture: NIGEL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Along the way, there will be an opportunity for those walking in memory of a loved one to have a quiet moment to attach a personal message to a tree, which will be located at Colchester Rugby Club, in Mill Road.

Registration has now closed online, but you can can still sign up on Saturday between 12- 2pm by dropping into the fundraising office based at Phoenix Square, in Wyncolls Road, Colchester.

Free parking is also available there if you are driving to the event, the office is just a five minute walk from the starting line.

For more information, visit www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/event/midnight-walk-2018