FLASHING bunny ears lit up the streets of West Byfleet, New Haw and Brooklands as fundraisers marched their way to nearly £90,000 at Woking and Sam Beare Hospices’ annual Midnight Walk.

More than 700 women powered through the eight-mile sponsored walk to raise money for the charity that provides expert palliative care to patients in the borough and the rest of Surrey.

Lindsey Lee, from Pyrford, who was walking with a group of friends in memory of husband Keith, thanked the hospice for their tremendous compassion before after his passing.

She said: “Keith spent the first year of his illness being cared for at home by the community clinical nurse specialist from the hospice, then in January 2012 his health rapidly declined and he was admitted to Woking Hospice where he spent the last four weeks of his life.

“All the staff are absolutely amazing and I will be for ever grateful to them for the dignity and care they provided for my husband and the support they offered to myself and our two children. No one could have wished for better care.”

Hundreds of tributes were carried on an emotional night.  Sarah Rich, from Byfleet, carried a cherished wedding photograph of mother Caroline Stenning and stepfather Paul who died last year of motor neurone disease, aged 55.

Friends of Deborah Talbot were also out in force to pay their respects to their good friend and support the charity.

Dawn Turner, from Brookwood, was one of 35 people walking in memory of  Deborah and said: “We are taking part to appreciate the wonderful care that Woking Hospice gave to Deborah during her illness and to her family and friends.”

Fundraising events manager Sue Spencer praised a fantastic night.

She said: “The Midnight Walk remains the hospices’ largest fundraising event and once again the women of Surrey have really come out to support them.”