A TAXI driver is taking part in a moonlight walk in June in tribute to his late mother.

Barry Carmody, 32, from Sutton, has signed up for this year's Willowbrook Moonlight Walk in memory of his mother Kathleen who was cared for at Willowbrook Hospice before losing a four-year battle with cancer. She died in September 2010 aged 51.

Barry, who has two children, said: "Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 47. As part of the treatment she had to have both breasts and her lymph glands removed. After that she did have a period of remission but unfortunately the cancer came back and had spread to her lungs and bones.

"Although mum died at home with her family around her, she was overwhelmed with the help and support she received when she was at the hospice."

He added: "Doing the walk and raising funds for Willowbrook is my way of thanking them for helping her and treating like a person not just a patient."

The Moonlight Walk, which covers 10 or six kilometres, takes place on Saturday, June 6.

Nicky Saunders, fundraising manager at Willowbrook Hospice, said: "It's brilliant that people like Barry join us on events like the Moonlight Walk. Each year we need to raise £4 million to keep the hospice running so we really rely on the support of the local community... and every penny counts.

"We look forward to meeting Barry at the end of the walk with a well-earned bacon butty!"

Almost 700 people took part in last year's Moonlight Walk, raising more than £50,000 for the hospice, which is set to open a wellbeing centre in Borough Road later this year, providing facilities in the community to care for terminally-ill people and their loved ones.

The Moonlight Walk, costing £15 for adults and £5 for under-18s, starts from Queens Park Health & Fitness at 9pm.

To sign up, visit themoonlightwalk.org.uk, call 453798 or email events@willowbrookhospice.org.uk.