WOMEN will swap their heels for trainers at a girls' night out with a difference this weekend.
More than 800 women are expected in Durham City to participate in the fifth annual St Cuthbert's Hospice Midnight Walk on Saturday night.
The hospice's biggest fundraising event of the year, the organisers hope to beat last year's total of £80,000.
Since it began in 2007, the girls-only event has raised £275,000 . The money helps St. Cuthbert's hospice to provide specialist medical and nursing care free of charge for people with life limiting conditions in North Durham.
Fundraising events such as The Midnight Walk are vital, as well as donations, to meet the hospice's annual running costs.
The walk will start from St Leonard's School playing fields next to County Hall, Durham. Walkers will be entertained by fire-eating and a steel band before warm-up Disco-robics and Zumba sessions prepare the women for their night-time excursion.
On the stroke of midnight, TV agony aunt Denise Robertson will set women off on their 10 kilometre ramble.
Among them will be eight best friends, dressed in Lady Gaga inspired outfits. Sarah Williams, Claire Cresswell, Caroline Robson, Sarah Hay, Kate Gallon, Tracey Best, Nicola Craigs, and Julie Whitfield wanted to give something back to the hospice which supported Mrs Williams' father-in-law, Denis Williams, after he was diagnosed with bone cancer. He died earlier this month.
Mrs Williams said: "Denis found it funny that we are getting dressed up for the walk - he thought we were mad! But deep down, I think he was very touched that we were doing this all for him.
"The support and care he received at the hospice was a whole new experience for our family - it’s such a wonderful place and the staff were absolutely amazing."
The close-knit group, most of whom grew up in Newton Hall, spent the past week making replicas of the star's famous and outrageous outfits. Their creations include a lobster mask and a dress made of mirrors.
Laura Smith, Events Coordinator at the hospice, said: We’re all really excited for the walk, and for the chance to meet some of the wonderful ladies who are taking part.
"We’ve been overwhelmed by the level of interest and support the walk has gained and can’t wait to see all our fantastic supporters on the night!"
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