A twenty-strong group of mums and daughters has become the biggest team yet to sign up for The Hospice of St Francis' Midnight Walk to support much-loved Abbots Langley man Bob Miller.

Bob's Belles, led by mum-of-two Beverly Ford, will be glowing for the Hospice at its flagship fundraiser on Saturday, June 27, and every step will be for 56-year-old Mr Miller, from Fay Green, who was diagnosed with lung cancer last December.

Bob's wife, Julie 54, will be among the all-girl team taking on the brand new 10-mile route, together with the couple's daughter Ellie, 26, alongside other neighbours and friends from the village and beyond.

More than 800 walkers are expected at this year's event, lighting up the night in their best orange, yellow, green and pink as they follow one of two brand new five or 10-mile routes around the streets of Hemel Hempstead, taking in Nash mills, Chaulden, the Old Town and Apsley.

The team said the thought of the dad-of-two and the support he's receiving from the hospice's home care nurses will give them all the motivation they need to get around.

Ms Ford, 51, from Bushey, said: "We've had tears and laughter since the shock of Bob's diagnosis, but every week since January a group of five of us have been walking with our dogs to help Julie, talking and sharing our worries.

"It was Julie who asked if we knew about the Midnight Walk. When she suggested we get a group together, we all said yes immediately for the chance to do something for her and Bob, as well as to look daft in pink bunny ears and have a giggle.

"Bob's got a very big grin on his face knowing we're doing this for him," added Beverley.

"I've known him 30 years and he's so loved by everybody - we just want him and Julie to know we're with them on their journey and we want to do anything we can to support the hospice, which does so much good work in our community."

The girls are confident their regular five or six-mile weekly walks stand them in good stead for the night-time challenge and are hoping to raise at least £500 via their Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/beverly-ford1/