MORE than half of the places for Rowcroft Hospice’s 2016 Sleep Walk have been filled within two weeks of registration opening.

The hospice’s flagship event has sold out in record time for the last two years and is on track to do so again, with more than 1,000 ladies already signed up.

Of those, there are currently 12 walkers from the Dart­mouth area. Seven are from the town itself, four from Stoke Fleming and one from Blackawton. But it is hoped that more will follow.

This year the annual ladies-only night walk is taking place on Saturday, July 9, and has a 1980s party theme.

Daniel Robson, Rowcroft’s events manager, said: ‘We’d like to thank everyone who has already signed up for this year’s sleep walk for their support, but we’re also urging all those who would still like to register to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.’

Chronicle readers who sign up online before Monday, February 29, will receive an discount to South Devon’s biggest girls’ night out, securing their place for only £12, instead of the usual £15.

Daniel added: ‘By taking part and raising funds for Rowcroft you’ll be helping people living with life-limiting illnesses in your community to spend precious time with friends and family.’

Since it launched five years ago the sleep walk has raised an incredible £863,252, helping to support thousands of Rowcroft’s patients and their families.

Rowcroft’s fundraising manager Rachael Bryett said: ‘More than 70 per cent of our funding comes from the local community so we rely heavily on all our sleep walkers raising as much in sponsorship as they can for the hospice. This year we’re hoping to reach an all-time Sleep Walk fundraising total of £1m.’

Volunteers are also needed to help out at the event. The sleep walk is open to all females over 10 years old.

To register for the sleep walk and claim your early bird discount, simply enter the code DMC16 when registering online at http://www.rowcroftsleepwalk.org.uk.