The St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk takes place on Saturday 18th May and has historically been an annual ladies-only mass participation challenge. However, this year there are several new twists, including the opportunity to run and for men to take part.
The event is being supported by players from the Town squad, who are encouraging men to walk or run the eight or five-mile routes — which start from Portman Road - and are appealing for them to unite with groups of family members, colleagues or friends.
Around 300 people have already signed up for the Midnight Walk and the Hospice would like to see 1,500 participants on the night, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to grow local hospice care for local people.
Town defender Tommy Smith said: "St Elizabeth Hospice is a fantastic charity which has been supported by the club for a number of years.
"They undertake outstanding work for our local community, which a few of us saw firsthand when we visited at Christmas time.
"When we heard the Midnight Walk was this year open to men as well as women, the players and I were only too happy to help to promote the event. It’s going to be a great night, for what I know is a great cause.”
Leanne Carhart, who is organising the Midnight Walk, said: "It is going to be a great night with a unique atmosphere on Saturday 18th May.
"We would like as many men and women as possible to sign up to have fun and help support their local hospice at the same time.
"We are so glad that players from ITFC have found time to support the Midnight Walk and for all their continued support of the Hospice, it really makes a difference.”
The Hospice provides services free of charge to patients and their families in East Suffolk, North Essex and South East Norfolk, but relies on fundraising and donations to meet most of its £8.7 million a year running costs.
St Elizabeth Hospice’s Midnight Walk is the charity’s biggest and most popular sponsored event and the money it raises helps fund services so they can be provided free of charge,
Many people take part in groups as a fitness challenge, in memory of a loved one or just to have a fun night out. All participants are asked to raise sponsorship.
Registration costs just £15. To sign up or find out more visit www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk or call 01473 707043.