A POP icon is rallying participants for one of the city's favourite fundraisers, which will return this summer with a retro twist.

Sobell House Hospice has announced the date and details of its annual Moonlight Stroll, which sees hundreds of supporters stride through Oxford at night.

It will return on Saturday, June 23 with a 1980s theme - and Tony Hadley, a music legend of the era, has urged people to join in.

Mr Hadley, who was lead singer of chart-topping band Spandau Ballet, said: "The wonderful work Sobell House Hospice does makes a true and significant difference to the lives of families affected by life-limiting and terminal illness.

"The team creates wonderful and lasting memories for families who need this vital care service."

The Headington hospice will this year welcome walkers for the event's 12th year, and has set a fundraising target of £50,000.

Mr Hadley encouraged people to embrace the 80s throwback with daring neon outfits, shoulder-pads, perms and leg warmers.

He added: "In the New Romantic period we wanted to be different, and enjoyed surprising and shocking people with what we wore.

"That's my challenge to 80s fans out there - get your New Romantic gear out and join the walk."

The nine-mile walk starts at 9pm at St Edward's School in North Oxford, and follows a route usually kept secret until the night itself.

Among participants last year was Julie Laitt, whose mum Pam Cudd was cared for at the hospice in 2016 before she passed away.

The Bicester resident said nurses and doctors at Sobell, which is on the Churchill Hospital site, were 'like angels with stethoscopes'.

The 52-year-old, who will take part again this year, added: "Sobell House became our home while mum was there.

"There was so much love and respect for us [as a family] and mum.

"The whole experience made mum's passing so much easier to cope with."

Sobell House fundraiser Kevin Game, who has organised all 12 Moonlight Strolls, said: "We are really hoping to make this year's stroll one of our biggest.

"The stroll is a wonderfully positive way to remember loved ones, raise money and have fun."

Walkers pay to take part and are also asked to gain sponsorship money, with a target of £100 each.

  • For details or to sign up, visit sobellhouse.org or call 01865 857007.

FUNDRAISING

Walkers pay £26 to take part in the Moonlight Stroll and are also asked to gain sponsorship money, with a target of £100.

Sobell House Hospice is in the process of building a multi-million pound extension to meet demands of an ageing population.

If the walk raises £50,000, that sum will cover the cost of one of one room in the new clinic.