SATURDAY morning saw a pink sunrise with a difference as more than a thousand women in pink welcomed the summer solstice for a good cause.


More than 1,300 women hit the streets of Warrington for the ninth St Rocco’s Hospice Starlight Walk all to help raise vital funds for the Lockton Lane hospice.


The night kicked off with a party with entertainment from DJ Chris O’Grady and performances from singer Poppy Bridge, dancers from the AT School of Dance and an aerobic warm up by Sharon Bannister from Livewire.


At midnight the Mayor and Mayoress of Warrington Clr Ted and Mavis Finnegan saw off the walkers from the start line at Orford Jubilee Hub with hospice chief executive officer Pam Massey leading them out on their walk through the streets of Warrington.


The Starlight Walk was supported by a gang of more than 250 volunteer marshals who lined the route throughout the night for the safety of the walkers.


Once they crossed the finishing line of either their six or 13 mile walk they were greeted with a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich prepared by a team of volunteers from the Territorial Army.


More than £138,000 in sponsorship was pledged on the night – all of which will go towards providing care and support to hospice patients and their families.


St Rocco’s CEO and walker number 1000 Pam Massey said: “It was fantastic to see so many ladies joining together to take part in the Starlight Walk. So many wonderful people supported us again this year.


“We would like to say a huge thank you to Livewire Warrington and Warrington Borough Council for allowing us to host the walk from Jubilee Orford Park – it was truly an amazing event which will make a huge difference to all those we care for.”


Since the first work 13,000 women have helped raise more than £1.5 million for St Rocco’s.