HUNDREDS of superheroes will take to the streets for a moonlit charity stroll through Oxford.

The annual event, now in its ninth year, raises vital cash for the Sobell House Hospice Charity and will see teams of walkers take to the streets of Oxford dressed as superheroes.

The charity supports Sir Michael Sobell House Hospice, based at Oxford’s Churchill Hospital, which provides palliative care for those with life-limiting illnesses.

Mum-of-one Debbie Fane, who is part of the Marcham Mummy Marvels six-member fundraising team, said: “Some of the other mums at the school [Marcham Primary School] did it last year. They had great fun and it is a great cause.

“I work as a children’s nurse in intensive care at the John Radcliffe Hospital so, although I do not have a direct contact with hospices, I do unfortunately through many children going on from the hospital.

“Nobody can speak highly enough of the services these facilities provide. I have great admiration for those who do it.”

The 49-year-old added: “We have a couple of nurses in our midst, and individually we have each seen loved ones die and know the true value of the work that Sobell do every day. We all feel the service provided by them is essential and if we can help this in our own small way, it is really important that we do.

“We are so lucky to have this level of hospice care for people throughout Oxfordshire and cannot praise the care and commitment highly enough.”

The nine-mile superhero Moonlight Stroll will take place on Saturday, July 11. Each year about 1,000 people take part in the event and it is open to those over 12 years with anyone aged between 12 to 16 accompanied by an adult.

The team at the Sobell House Hospice Charity has a target of 1,000 walkers this year, raising £100,000 in total.

The hospice costs about £4 million a year to run and has supported terminally ill patients in Oxfordshire for 40 years.

Sobell fundraiser Kevin Game said: “The Moonlight Stroll is now in its ninth fantastic year and is easily our biggest single fundraising event.

“It is a brilliant event but it really relies on the hard work and dedication of our fundraisers and supporters.

“Without our walkers we would not be able to offer the levels of care and support for our patients and families that we do.

“They really are the big superheroes of the event.”

Entry is £20 and every walker will get a T-shirt and medal.

* Anyone that wants to sign up can contact the charity office on 01865 857007 or oxfordmoonlightstroll.org.uk