Both walkers and runners are being encouraged to ‘lace up and sign up’ now for the NI Hospice Horizon West Midnight 5k Run and Walk on September 29.

Receiving its launch this week, this year sees a dramatic change to the popular, annual midnight event. 

The organisers have decided to add in a challenging 5k run which will be chip-timed for all competitive runners.

The route will be the same as usual setting off from the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen at midnight and the runners will start slightly ahead of the walkers. 

The evening will begin with some entertainment, fun and games from 10.30pm and a warm up before the race begins. There will be spot prizes and a prize for the person with the most sponsorship.

Launching the 5k, Heather Fallis, Community Fundraiser, enthused: “We continue to be overwhelmed by the support we receive each year from the local community and this year have decided to include a 5k which we hope will attract runners from wide and far.”

She acknowledged: “It is thanks to the local community and events like this that we are able to continue providing this essential service for local families. 

“The Midnight Walk is just one of several fundraising events that we organise throughout the year and we invite everyone to come and join us on this fantastic night.”

Heather points out that Horizon West Children’s Hospice and care in the child’s own home is a vital service for local families, providing them with the specialist nursing care and respite that life-limited children and their families need.

She noted: “By raising just £30 we are able to provide one hour of specialist nursing care for those children.”

Registration is now open and people can register either online: www.nihospice.org or by calling in to collect a registration pack from either the Hospice Shop in Enniskillen or Lisnaskea or by calling Heather Fallis on 07711377338.