FEW people in north Essex will have had no experience of St Helena Hospice.

For the past 25 years, it has helped close friends and family who are coping with a loved one’s terminal illness through some of their hardest times – offering medical, emotional and practical support all the way.

About £3million needs to be found every year to keep the charity’s wheels turning.

That’s where the hospice’s annual women’s Midnight Walk, which last year raised around £200,000, comes in.

In 2011, fundraising and marketing director Sarah Green has decided to join fundraisers for the 7.5-mile walk, taking place in June.

She said: “People should not think it is not worth doing because they will not be able to raise enough money.

“Just £50 provides a one-to-one support session with one of our counsellors, and £100 provides a music therapy course.”

A day at the day centre, which for many might be the only time they go out that week, can be provided with £150.

Diana Stirling, 88, has been visiting the day centre for the past two months and says it is the highlight of her week.

She is picked up by hospice staff in their minibus from her home in Sudbury and taken back again at the end of the day, having enjoyed a cooked meal freshly prepared on the premises.

She said: “I look forward to it all week, and then once I have gone home again that keeps me going until the next time.

“Just as I am starting to feel a bit down, then it is Friday again and time for me to be picked up.

“If I didn’t come here, I would not leave the house. It really is a lifeline and the food is excellent.”

Work is under way to create a new day centre, which is being paid for by a grant.

But cash will still need to be found to continue the vital support it provides.

As well as medical support and the chance to come and be among others in a similar situation, the charity also supports family members who may need counselling, support with bereavement and the practicalities of life afterwards.

Ron Barton, who is suffering from mesothelioma, said: “I think Colchester is extremely lucky to have something like this here and it is wonderful people support it by going out in the middle of the night to do this walk.

“It is marvellous the efforts they go to, but it really does make a difference.

“I have had numerous treatments and the staff here are wonderful, caring and nothing is ever too much for them.”

Last year Sarah helped make sure the event went smoothly alongside the rest of her fundraising team – but this year she has decided to do it herself.

The course kicks off at the Weston Homes Community Stadium at midnight on Saturday, June 4, and there are 2,000 places available.

Sarah said: “I had not long started working with the team last year and so I did not do the walk.

“But I loved being there and the atmosphere was so amazing I thought really, as the head of the team, I should do it myself, so that is what I plan to do.

“I believe so much in the work we are doing here and that is why I am going to do the walk.”

To join in the walk, visit www.colchestermidnightwalk.co.uk