FLASHES of fluorescent lit up the night as more than 600 people turned out for St Clare Hospice’s annual Midnight Walk on Saturday.

Neon pink, yellow, orange and green illuminated the night for the 80s-themed revival as walkers of all ages came together to support the biggest fundraiser in the Hospice’s calendar.

Against a soundtrack of 80s icons, such as Wham, Bananarama and Blondie, the procession set off from the Water Gardens at 9.30pm, following either a 5km or 10k circuit through the streets of Harlow.

St Clare director of fundraising, Elizabeth Palfreman said: “Once again, our Midnight Walkers did the Hospice proud, signing up in their droves to support our annual Midnight Walk and helping raise thousands of pounds of vital funding so we can continue providing our incredible care to local families.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to each and every person who took part, as well as our army of volunteers and marshals who helped ensure the night was such a success, and the many local businesses who supported us. It was a truly wonderful night.”

Every Midnight Walker was presented with a goody bag before they set off and a medal once they had crossed the finish line.

The first back were Chloe Hammond, 17, and Jamie Dalgliesh, 23, who ran the 5km route in 33 minutes. They were followed by their friend Christine Ford, 16, who walked the same distance in 49 minutes. Jamie is the daughter of St Clare nurse Anne Dalgliesh, while Chloe is the daughter of Hospice at Home nursing assistant Sandra Hammond.

It is hoped the event, which was sponsored by Harlow enterprise hub NWES, will have raised £50,000 once all sponsor money has been collected – enough to cover the cost of running the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit for two weeks.