WALKERS joined together on Friday night to raise money to help children suffering with cancer.

Around 50 people took part in the midnight “Dream Walk” in aid of The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund.

By midnight the sky was clear and the participants walked six miles from Great Missenden Memorial Hall and around the village of Prestwood.

The charity's first 'Dream Walk' took place in 2006, in memory of Thomas Ball who died aged 14 from neuroblastoma - a rare form of cancer - in June 2003. This year the route took a diversion because of planned gas works in the area.

Chairman of the charity Elaine Ball said "All walkers were in high spirits and morale was good, we would like to thank all those who took part and the many people who have made donations so far.  "Unlike the bigger charities, none of us get paid, so with the total amount raised set to exceed one thousand pounds, we can offer two or three sick children with cancer a UK holiday this summer, which is excellent news".

She thanked the Memorial Hall committee for supporting the event and Duracell for donating the torches to help walkers guide their way.

The charity provide free holidays to children suffering from cancer in two Hampshire lodges on the coast and an annual Christmas trip to Euro Disney. It also aims fundraise to improve children's oncology wards and research into childhood cancer.

The walk ended around 2am with much needed coffee and bacon rolls.

Organisers would like to thank Philip Green Estate Agents in Prestwood for advertising boards that helped recruit walkers and raise awareness of childhood cancer.

 Cheques can still be sent to The Thomas Ball Children's Cancer Fund, 18 Sixty Acres Road Prestwood. HP16 0PD or donations online at www.justgiving.com/Francosdream4sickkids