A GROUP of Darwen women have signed up to a hospice walk to remember their friend who died at the age of 36.

The team of five will take part in East Lancashire Hospice’s Strictly Starlight Walk next month in memory of Sarah Glover.

Sarah herself took part in the walk previously in memory of one of her colleagues who also died from cancer.

Mother-of-two Sarah lost her battle with the disease on February 10 and last Wednesday would have been her 37th birthday. Since her initial diagnosis of cervical cancer, friends set about raising money for charity and have raised more than £7,000 so far.

Rachael Bowker, Louise Turnbull, Caroline Plumbley, Joanne Sullivan and Vicki Singleton aim to break the £10,000 mark this year by doing two sponsored runs and a masquerade ball in addition to the Starlight Walk. Louise, 31, of Milton Close, said: “The night will be fun but emotional.

“Lots of people knew Sarah so walking with her name on our message cards is a way of keeping her memory alive.

“When I visited Sarah at the hospice, I had to leave her room as I got upset.

“One of the staff volunteers came over to me and just sat with me and talked to me.

“I will never forget what she did for me that day. The hospice is an amazing place.”

Rachael, 26, said: “The care Sarah received in the five days she spent in the hospice was so good I think we all wanted to come together and do something positive to remember her and give something back as a thank you.”

The group has chosen the eight-mile route for the walk on Saturday, June 28, which sets off from the Soccerdome in Blackburn and heads through Ewood, Livesey, Cherry Tree, back up past the hospice where all the trees will be lit up.

Women and children aged 10 and over can sign up at www.eastlancshospice.org.uk for £10, which includes a white T-shirt and breakfast and drink.

Men are also needed to help marshal the event. Call 01254 733412 for more information.