Hundreds of women from across east London took to the streets of the capital and raised cash for the capital with a midnight walk.

They were taking part in the first such event organised by Richard House Children’s Hospice together with celebrity TV gardener Charlie Dimmock and Miss Commonwealth International Hayley Mac.

Haley, a long-time supporter of the hospice. said: “It’s brought the whole community round here together and, more importantly, has raised funds.”

They were treated to food and cultural delights from three “holiday destinations” on route, including India, Egypt and the Caribbean.

Laki Kaur, 21, from Barking is a long term user of the hospice. She took part in the 10-mile walk around The Docklands on Saturday June 25.

And Laki, who is confined to a wheelchair and was aided through the night by Richard House staff, said she was happy to do anything she can to help the Newham-based hospice.

She said: “I did the midnight walk for Richard House because I am one of the residents there and part of its Young Adults Group.” The Young Adults Group cares for teenagers and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions up to the age of 24.

“I really wanted to do it because the hospice, in my mind, is amazing and staff there basically brought me up. It’s a big thank you for everything they’ve done for me.”

Laki was joined by almost 300 other women at the event. It was started by TV gardener Charlie Dimmock and took in sights from London City Airport, the ExCeL Exhibition Centre and Canary Wharf.

Manjeet Boparai, events manager for Richard House, said: “I am so proud of all the ladies who took part in the midnight walk and I want to say thank you to each and every one of them.

“We hope to have raised about �40,000 and this will go towards providing care for all the 240 families who use our hospice.”