TWO sets of Chesham residents will be jostling for position on the start line after both signing up to a charity nighttime walk.

Neil and Elaine Dixon from Hazelwood Close have both signed up to take part in the Hospice of St Francis's Midnight Walk at the end of the month.

And they'll be joined on the venture by Team Pink Fizz, a team of six women spanning three generations who've named themselves after their favourite tipple.

Team leader Penny Burt has even asked friends to sponsor her instead of giving her presents to mark her 70th birthday.

The childminder from Deansway said: "I’ve raised £130 already and if each team member does the same, that’ll be nearly £800 for the Hospice," she said.

"We’re very lucky that none of us or our family members have ever needed the Hospice’s services, but you never know. It’s a brilliant charity that does a fantastic job and we just want to do our bit to support it."

She will be joined by her daughter Maria Reid-Jones, friends Janice Rooney, Lisa Finlay and Jacqui Ring and her 16-year-old daughter Sophie.

It's the third time Mrs Burt has taken part in the annual event and she said: "This year we’re going to get there early and get out of the starting blocks quickly. Who knows, we may record our best time ever. We just hope we’re feeling as bubbly as our team name suggests."

Meanwhile there's a personal connection for the Dixons, who will be raising money in memory of both of their dads.

Mr Dixon, 52, a facilities manager at the Chiltern Hills Academy, said: "Given that the Hospice of St Francis is where my dad, Ron, spent his last few days before he died of asbestosis 16 years ago, it seems like the right thing to do.

"Thanks to the wonderful staff there, he died peacefully, with no pain and with lots of dignity. My family is full of gratitude to everyone there who made that possible."

He added: "It looks like a really fun, friendly night. We’re looking forward to wearing our flashing bunny ears and wearing pink. We know we can do it – we just need to make sure we don’t fall over in the dark."

The five or 11-mile circular Midnight Walk takes place on Saturday, June 28, and is open to everyone over the age of 11. People are being encouraged to sign up individually or gather a team together, dress in pink and start raising money for the Berkhamsted-based Hospice, which provides care for people with life-shortening illnesses, by securing sponsorship.

Registration costs £20 per person, or £15 for under 18s, which includes an exclusive pink T-shirt, refreshments en route, a finisher’s medal and breakfast upon return.

Find out more and sign up now by going to www.stfrancis.org.uk/midnightwalk, calling 01442 869555 or emailing fundraising@stfrancis.org.uk.