A SALISBURY shop worker is preparing to take on her fourth Midnight Walk in memory of her father.

Sarah Rock, who lives in the city and works at Tesco in Amesbury, will be taking part in the walk alongside her sister Emma Smith and friend Vicki Broughton.

She signed up for her first Salisbury Hospice Charity Midnight Walk in 2015 when her father, Syd Grace, was being cared for in the hospice after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Sarah said: “I didn’t think I’d make that first one as my dad was in the hospice at the time and on the Thursday we were told to say our goodbyes as he wasn’t expected to make the night. He did in fact make it through the night and the Friday. On the Saturday morning he was awake and spent the day asking about our walk so between us we decided to go ahead.

“The three of us did complete our walk but sadly just two hours after we got a call to the hospice where just a short time later dad was gone. Every year since, with my sister and a very good friend, we walk in memory of my dad.”

The Midnight Walk, which is in its tenth year, takes place on Saturday, May 12.

The route starts and finishes at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and takes walkers through scenic sights including through the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral.

Walkers can choose to take part in the six or ten mile route.

Sarah is encouraging others to show their support for the charity, adding: “If they don’t get the funding it is not there for people in the future.

“You never know what is around the corner, you might actually need it yourself or for someone close to you.”

“You can’t thank them enough for what they did and this is just a little way that you can say you are appreciated,” said Sarah.

Salisbury Hospice Charity event fundraiser Katie Hughes said: “The Midnight Walk is a special event at the heart of the community and one of Salisbury Hospice’s biggest fundraisers. The money raised from the Midnight Walk funds the vital services that the hospice provides, ensuring help is available to both individuals and family members at a time when it’s needed most. So many people are overwhelmed by the support they receive from the hospice and this walk is a perfect opportunity to give something back and also raise awareness of the work the hospice does.

“Salisbury Hospice Charity aims to raise £1.5 million each year to fund Salisbury Hospice. We rely on the kindness and generosity of our local community who ensure the hospice is there free of charge for those who need it.”

For more information or to sign up go to midnight-walk.co.uk/