Entries for St Elizabeth Hospice’s annual Midnight Walk are continuing to flood in but organisers have urged more women in Suffolk to get involved.

The charity event, supported by the Evening Star, to raise money for the Foxhall Road facility takes place on May 14 and 400 people have signed up to take part already.

An eight mile walk, the ladies-only promenade begins and ends at Ipswich Town Football Club in Portman Road.

One woman who will be joining fundraisers this year is Ipswich Hospital administration manager Amanda Crisp.

The mum-of-two wants to give something back to the hospice after the high standard of care her father received from staff when he had lung disease.

Terry Coles was 63-years-old when he died of the illness, caused by asbestos in March 2008. He benefited from St Elizabeth’s Hospice at Home scheme initially and then as an in-patient for several weeks.

Mrs Crisp was so impressed by the staff who cared for her father she is determined to raise as much money as possible for the facility and has been trying to encourage others at Ipswich Hospital to join her.

She said: “The staff at St Elizabeth Hospice give new meaning to the word dedication. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

“We could visit at any time, my children were welcome and we stayed over in the family room so we could be with him as much as possible near the end. You couldn’t wish for a better place for someone to end their days.”

She said: “It has given me the confidence to do the walk and I am really looking forward to it.”

The 42-year-old was further motivated by recently losing two stone.

The walk is scheduled to start at 11pm and walkers will be entertained from start to finish to keep spirits up and energy levels high.

Beginning with a dance class from acclaimed Bollywood dancer Honey Kalaria, the stroll around Ipswich is also set to feature hourly entertainment segments.

Performance details have yet to be confirmed. And, for the first time the walkers’ route will pass the Foxhall Road hospice allowing the chance to have a moment of reflection.

Event organiser Rachael Mittell said it’s going to be a “great girls” night out”.

“The atmosphere will be amazing and although many people will be walking for a poignant reason it will also be a lot of fun,” she said.

To take part simply fill in the registration form (right) or sign up online at www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk. Registration costs �15.