A sprinkling of stardust covered the historic city of Lichfield as more than 1,000 women walked through the streets dressed as fairies and pledged to raise an incredible £100,000 for St Giles Hospice.

The second St Giles’ Solstice Walk saw supporters dressed as fairies complete with angel wings and wands turn the centre of Lichfield into a sparkling wonderland thanks to Lichfield Cathedral being lit up in all its glory.

The enchanting ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ themed event saw women of all ages release hundreds of balloons to remember loved ones before setting off on the 10-mile night time walk on 21st/22nd June.

“This inspirational event is set to raise an amazing amount yet again, thanks to the women who took part and all the volunteers and marshalls who gave up their time to help out on the night.

“With local support and interest we have more than doubled the number who took part last year,” says Sarah Shelton, Community Fundraiser for St Giles.

Sarah adds: “It’s the continued support and generosity of local people which makes events such as this so magical and memorable. Every penny of sponsorship makes a difference to the services we can provide.

“I would like to thank Aqua Direct, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda who provided refreshments for the walkers, Friary Grange Leisure Centre for their continued support and also give a special thank you to our sponsor, Three Spires Shopping Centre in Lichfield.

“We are staggered by the enthusiasm and effort everyone put into the event, and are already planning next year’s enchanted evening.”

Anyone can see pictures of the magical night by visiting the St Giles website at www.stgileshospice.com/solsticewalk

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients' own homes across the region.

St Giles spends over £5.5 million every year providing its specialist services and with less than a third of this funded by the Government, relies heavily on donations and fundraising.