HOSPICE supporters are set to sport Lycra and leg warmers for an 80s-themed walk in Oxford.

Sobell House Hospice has issued a last call for participants for its annual Moonlight Stroll, which takes place on Saturday.

People can sign up online or turn up on the night for the eight-mile walk, which starts and finishes at St Edward’s School in Summertown and loops past city landmarks.

Maria Neal is strolling alongside her friend Justine Farmer, and they described the hospice as ‘close to their hearts’.

Both of their mums died at Sobell in 2014 after receiving end-of-life care there.

The pair, of Drayton and Abingdon respectively, wrote on their fundraising page: “We have nothing but praise and admiration for this greatly run hospice.

“They treated our mums with care, kindness, thoughtfulness and compassion for their remaining days with us.

“Communication was a key element, talking to them, and as a family we couldn’t have asked for more dedicated staff and excellent facilities, with a lovely peaceful and calm surroundings.

“It wasn’t sad, morbid or depressing even though we all knew the sad outcome of our situation.

“Our families will not be the first or last to use this wonderful, helpful, caring hospice.

“Please help us to support this cause which is close to our hearts and which we will be eternally grateful for.”

Also set to stride under the stars is a team of colleagues from employment agency Active Staff Ltd, including the Oxfordshire branch in Milton Park and the head office in Andover.

The company’s director Lisa Armstrong said several people she knew were cared for at Sobell, including her uncle who died there this year.

She said: “I’m glad to be able to raise money for them.

“It’s a cause that’s very close to home, both geographically and emotionally.

“My uncle passed away there and his children were delighted with the care he received.

“He was there for two weeks and they all said how amazing they [staff] were.”

Mrs Armstrong, who grew up in Witney but now lives near Andover, said her team’s lime green outfits arrived last week.

Their 80s-inspired wardrobe includes neon tutus, fishnet gloves, lime green leg warmers and an array of lurid accessories.

She said they are all first-time walkers in the Moonlight Stroll, which is in its 12th year, and were expecting an ‘amazing atmosphere’.

Last year the event raised £70,000 through entry fee and sponsorship, and organisers hope to top that this year.

Building work started last month on Sobell’s £4.3m extension at its base at the Churchill Hospital site, Headington.

To sign up to the Moonlight Stroll or find out more, visit sobellhouse.org