A grieving grandaughter from Harrow is joining thousands of other women to take part in this year's Midnight Walk in memory of her nan and to raise money for St Luke's Hospice.

St George’s Shopping Centre in Harrow is sponsoring next month's annual nightime fundraiser - which celebrates its 10th anniversary - when women dressed in pink, walk five or nine miles through the borough.

Laura Montaut, 32, said: “I have done the Midnight Walk four or five times in the past eight years, but last year, I lost my beautiful nan and I experienced first-hand the amazing work that St Luke’s do.

"So this year, my aunt and I have gathered a team of 11 wonderful women and we will march together in my nan's memory as Elaine’s Angels. This would have made her smile.’

"Thanks to St Luke’s and the remarkable palliative care they provided, my nan's last few months, weeks and days were as comfortable and painless as they possibly could have been and she passed away in the comfort of her own home with her family around her and a smile on her face.

"St Luke’s really supported my family during the most heart-breaking time. They were extremely caring and kind and nothing was too much trouble. I have a very large family and no matter how many times they had to explain something they did it with such compassion and were so gentle with us all.

"So thank you St Luke’s and here is to turning the streets pink at the end of June."

St George’s centre administrator, Jelena Hudd, who is also taking part in the event, said: ‘Last year’s Midnight Walk was a surprisingly invigorating experience.

"Once you walk into the hall before the start, the whole atmosphere brings home that although each of us walkers were there for the reasons special to us, once we all gather and commit ourselves, it all becomes something beautiful and positive and infused with determination and joy.

"The buzz in the crowd was fantastic, and my tiredness evaporated."

This year's Midnight Walk takes place on on Friday, June 30.

  • Register your Midnight Walk place by May 31 for a discounted entry price of £20. For details, go to www.stlukes-hospice.org/midnightwalk