PEOPLE across the town are being encouraged to come out in support of the Prospect Hospice and help them raise thousands of pounds at their upcoming events.

On April 22 the Wroughton-based hospice is holding its Big Bike event and on June 30 it is the annual ladies Starlight Walk – and there are places available on both fundraisers which the organisers would like to see completely filled.

The Big Bike event follows on from the success of last year’s event, which saw more than 80 cyclists take part in two routes.

This year it has been planned and organised with Mountain Bike Swindon, who have devised the route and will be supplying some marshals for the event. Setting off from Nationwide Pavilion, the ride offers two challenging routes; a 24km route for any reasonably fit rider and a 40km route suitable for mountain bikes, with the addition of an optional 10km fast downhill section for those who really want to challenge themselves.

Event organiser Becky Gammon, said: “We’ve wanted to appeal to a broad range – both new and experienced cyclists, from families with children to members of cycling clubs and the more dedicated cyclist. We hope the two routes will do this.

“There’s only two weeks to go until the event now, and I’m hoping that we can get lots more people joining us.”

To mark the fifth Starlight Walk, sponsored by Nationwide, the organisers have decided on a ‘best of British’ theme.

Fundraisers are hoping that ladies taking part in the walk will dress up either in something that celebrates Britain, or simply dress in this year’s colours of red, white and blue.

And with registrations closing closing on June 4, the Hospice is asking the women of Swindon to sign up soon.

Head of fundraising Sheryl Crouch said: “We’re making Starlight 2012 a real celebration of all that’s great about Britain.

“Whether that’s post-war glamour, the swinging Sixties, landgirls or even harking back to the Victorian era, it’s all about bringing the best of British to the streets of Swindon.

“Starlight is always meant to be fun. It raises vital funds for the hospice, which we never lose sight of, but we’ve always tried to create a party atmosphere on the evening too, and fancy-dress and parties have always gone hand-in-hand.”

Registration for the Starlight Walk costs £15.

Events such as these are a vital part of the hospice’s fundraising. Each year it needs £5m to deliver its care and services within the community, seventy per cent of which it needs to raise itself.

Anyone interested in taking part in either of the events should log on to www.prospect-hospice.net