The streets of Swindon are set to be lit up by walkers as they take part in a charity event.
The Starlight Walk, Prospect Hospice's flagship fundraising event, is set to take place on Saturday, June 29.
Walkers donning their best fancy dress will light up the streets of Swindon, armed with glowsticks as they walk either 10km or 15km to raise funds for the charity.
The demand for Prospect Hospice's services in Swindon and the surrounding areas has steadily been on the rise.
More than 2,000 patients and their families received care from the charity just last year.
However, despite the increasing need for specialist end-of-life care, government funding has not kept pace.
This year, the charity will be operating at a £1 million loss, meaning that its ability to provide support to people in need is at risk.
CEO at Prospect Hospice, Jeremy Lune, said: "We rely on our compassionate community of supporters for 75 per cent of our funding.
"It’s no exaggeration to say Prospect Hospice only exists because of you and your generosity.
"Your support means local people receive the outstanding care and comfort they deserve at the end of their lives, and their families are supported at the hardest of times."
Although Prospect Hospice has the capacity to care for 12 people at the hospice in Wroughton, the current financial situation only allows for the care of six people at a time in its inpatient unit.
The charity needs additional funds to meet the increasing costs of providing specialist end-of-life care at the hospice and in people's homes.
The Starlight Walk presents an opportunity for supporters to come together and raise funds for the hospice.
The hospice said: "Whether you’re walking solo, with friends and family, or as part of a team, there is a place for everyone at Starlight Walk.
"By participating, volunteering or sponsoring walkers, supporters can help to bridge the gap between the hospice’s demand and resources."
A contribution of £25 could pay for an hour of care and support from a community nurse specialist in a patient’s own home, while double that could provide two hours of occupational therapy support to patients.
A donation of £110 could pay for a health care assistant’s shift on our inpatient unit, and £233 is enough pay for care throughout the night for a patient in their own home.
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