A POPULAR annual Chester fundraiser for a much-loved hospice is still taking place this year – virtually.

The annual flagship Chester Sparkle Walk, sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, has been relaunched virtually for Friday, June 12, in aid of Backford's Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

Hundreds of people were getting set to dazzle the streets of the city centre with an array of sparkle, neon and glitter, but the walk was postponed due to the current coronavirus restrictions.

The Sparkle Walk is a key event in the Chester city centre calendar and the hospice knows just how much this event means to local people, which is why it is now being taken online.

Justin Caroe, community and events manager, said: “The Sparkle Walk is one of our most popular events and brings in thousands of pounds every year to support direct patient care.

"With the restrictions currently in place we have taken the decision, for now, to take the event virtual and give our wonderful supporters the opportunity to still get involved with this great event.

"We would have loved to see all our supporters on June 12 walking around Chester, but we hope we can still create a wonderful experience albeit virtually.

"You can take on your own Sparkle Walk for us on the night or at a time to suit you and support us in raising the funds we so desperately need to help the hospice continue to provide outstanding care to the local community.”

The Sparkle Walk is now free to enter and participants are asked to raise as much sponsorship as they can.

Enter the Virtual Sparkle Walk now at www.hospicegs.com/sparkle-walk .

The hospice is currently facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to the shocking impact of the coronavirus and could run out of money in a matter of months.

The Standard has been running the #SaveYourHospice appeal in association with the hospice and you can donate now at https://www.gofundme.com/f/standardsaveyourhospice or call 01244 851811.

The hospice, which is not part of the NHS, receives only 25 per cent of its income from government funding meaning it has to raise just over £3 million each year from donations, fundraising events and charity shops which are now all on hold.

It is anticipated there will be at least a £1.1 million shortfall in fundraising for this year.

For over 30 years, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd has provided end of life care to patients living with life limiting conditions from Chester, West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port.

They provide a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre which provides day support to help patients maintain their independence and to stay at home longer as well as bereavement support for both adults and children across the catchment area whether or not the death of their loved one was connected to the hhospice.