MORE than 550 people were in high spirits as they took to the streets for the annual Moonlight Colour Walk for Willowbrook Hospice on Saturday.

Many of those taking part in the walk have had first-hand experience of the hospice, with either friends or family having being cared for at one time or another.

Just before the start of the walk, the sky turned into a sea of pink as people remembered and celebrated the lives of their loved one with a special balloon release.

Groups of relatives and friends set off from the charity’s Living Well centre on Borough Road, St Helens before heading along Prescot Road.

Some walkers enjoyed a colour splash as they were covered head to toe in rainbow powder at the start of the event.

Others even chose to bring their dogs along.

Walkers were decked in sparkly wigs, pink tutus, and flashing ears. They took on either a 10k or 6.5k ‘mini moonlight’ route as darkness fell.

On their return, every walker received a well-earned Moonlight Walk medal and refreshments.

Nichola Saunders, head of fundraising at Willowbrook Hospice said: “This year’s Moonlight Walk was amazing and it was lovely to see so many people coming together to remember their loved ones and to help raise much needed funds to ensure that we as a hospice can continue to care and support our patients and their families.

“On behalf of Willowbrook I’d like to thank every single person who was involved with the event, whether as a walker, a steward or a volunteer.

“We’d also like to thank everyone who supported the event either through sponsorship, donations of refreshments for our walkers or by providing the pre-walk entertainment.

“We’re so lucky at Willowbrook to have such fantastic support from our community – we couldn’t do what we do without their help. ”

Photographer Dave Gillespie captured the uplifting atmosphere.