YOU would be forgiven for doing a double-take if you saw hundreds of women on the streets, dressed only in their pyjamas.
But you would not need to rub your eyes ... the annual Sleepwalk, in aid of Grimsby's St Andrew's Hospice, is back for 2013.
Already, 150 women have pledged to don their best nightwear – and their stoutest boots – for the popular annual sponsored walk.
And there is plenty of time for you to sign up, too, and raise vital cash for patients with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.
This year, the sleepwalk is taking place on July 5, starting at midnight from Lucarly's, in Humberston, which is also the finishing point.
It has once again been organised by hospice fundraiser Angela Greenfield.
She said: "It's basically a sponsored walk, but with both a long and short route of 11 and five miles respectively, to cater for all abilities.
"It is mostly women who take part; however, we do like men to come along, too. They act as marshalls, and can walk with the women on the course, so it isn't strictly female-only.
"Year on year, this event has been both a challenge and a great girls' night out.
"Walking through the night when you would normally be asleep is a challenge, but at the end of the night there is a great sense of achievement in having completed the walk, along with the satisfaction of knowing that the money raised will provide vital care and services for those adults and children who need the support of the hospice.
"A total of 550 people took part last year. So far for this year, 150 have registered, and we are hoping to beat last year's attendance."
The registration fee for the walk remains at £12 per person or £10 if you have taken part in the Sleepwalk before.
Every walker will receive a T-shirt, medal and commemorative pin badge.
Angela said: "All we ask is that you raise as much sponsorship as possible.
"Your registration fee only covers the cost and administration of your place on the walk, so sponsorship is vital if the event is to once again make a significant contribution to running the hospice."
Only 3 per cent of the money needed to keep the hospice, in Peaks Lane, operational is government-funded.
For more information, phone 01472 350908 or e-mail angela.greenfield@nhs.net
ON THE WEB: Find out what's in store on the sleepwalk at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
