FOOTBALL legend Ryan Giggs has provided supporters of East Cheshire Hospice with yet another reason to sign up for the fundraising Midnight Walk.

Anyone who submits their registration forms before Wednesday, next week, August 12, will be entered into a prize draw to win a T-shirt signed by the Manchester United star or one of 10 free places in the walk.

Giggs launched the Midnight Walk in May, and along with Coronation Street star Samia Smith, is encouraging people from Knutsford to join in the fun and take up the challenge.

This year’s walk aims to build on the 2008 event, which raised £72,000 towards the cost of phase one of the hospice’s new development.

More than 570 people took part, and this year, organisers are hoping the event will be even bigger and better.

The aim is to have 1,000 participants raise a massive £100,000.

A competitive spirit is encouraged for all those who take part, whether as part of the corporate challenge sponsored by property provider Magnus, which is offering a case of champagne to the company that raises the most sponsorship, best fancy dress or highest individual amount raised.

East Cheshire Hospice’s chief executive, Jayne Bessant, said: “The backing of respected names like Samia Smith, Ryan Giggs and Magnus really helps the hospice raise its profile and hopefully some significant money again this year, after the success of last year which exceeded all our expectations.

“We are grateful to them and also to everyone who took part last year. We hope all our friends will walk with us again, bringing their colleagues, friends and families with them.

“Fancy dress is very much encouraged and there will be a prize for the best outfit.

“We want to make it a real party atmosphere.”

The 2009 walk takes place on September 12, with a 10k round trip from Macclesfield Leisure Centre, passing through Prestbury and Tytherington.

To register, complete the form (left) or contact the Fundraising Department, East Cheshire Hospice, Millbank Drive, Macclesfield SK10 3DR, send an e-mail to kreading@echospice.org.uk, or telephone 01625 433477. Registration costs £15. Alternatively, visit the website eastcheshirehospice.org.uk to download a registration form.

Each entry includes a souvenir T-shirt and a hot drink and snack will be offered on your return.

Entrants must be aged 11 or over on the night of the event and any participants aged from 11 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult guardian.

For entry into the competition, completed registration forms with the £15 fee must be received at the hospice by 5pm on August 12, marked ‘COMPETITION’.