HUNDREDS of twinkling lights will illuminate the path ahead for walkers raising money for a hospice near Oswestry

Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park will be lit by hundreds of twinkling lights later this month for the second annual Hope House Lantern Walk on Saturday, November 24.

The charity is asking people to make or buy lanterns and torches and come along and walk 3,000 steps in the footsteps of children and families who rely on Hope House’s vital services.

Hope House provides specialist support for families whose child is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, and bereavement support for any family who has suffered the death of their child.

Fundraiser Emily Jones said: "We already raise more than £6 million every year - but sadly that means we can still only afford to help one in every three families whose child dies every week in the local area.

"To ensure that no family suffers alone we urgently need to raise more money and gain more support."

This year’s Lantern Walk is already off to a flying start, with Shrewsbury-based Redan Publishing pledging £5,000 of sponsorship.

Emily is hoping more than 500 children and adults will take part in the event.

She added: “Everyone who signs up will receive tips on how to create their own easy and effective lanterns, and we also have Lantern Workshops taking place at The Sky Lounge at Climbing the Walls in Battlefield, Shrewsbury on November 14 and Hobbycraft in Telford on November 24.”

Registration for the walk – which starts at 5pm – is free, but participants are asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible.

To sign up, visit www.hopehouse.org.uk/shrewsbury or call the fundraising office on 01691 671 671.