Breakfast radio broadcaster Phil Trow is used to being up during the early hours of the morning, but has normally been to bed first.

This June, the BBC Radio Manchester presenter will be trying his best to stay awake as he joins St Ann’s Hospice at their Manchester Midnight Walk.

Phil will be hosting the main event stage to ensure the 1,500 expected participants are energised and ready to take on the 10km moonlit stroll to raise money for the local charity.

He said: “My bodyclock will certainly be put to the test, but it’s all in the name of a good cause, so it will be worth it when we see how much money the event raises.

“I’m going to be warming up the crowd, so hopefully they’re a noisy lot as after I’ve been up since 4.30am presenting, I don’t want to accidentally nod off!”

The Manchester Midnight Walk, which will take place on Friday, June 23, has become a staple on the city’s fundraising calendar, with last year’s event raising just under £170,000 for St Ann’s.

The event has pulled in the crowds every year since it began in 2007, creating a unique late-night party atmosphere.

Phil added:  “I’ve been to the walk the last few years and the atmosphere is amazing.

“The people of Manchester always go the extra mile to help others, and it’s so great to see so many local people gathered together doing something to really make a difference to local patients.”

The walk leaves Manchester Central at midnight, with music and entertainment on the event stage starting at 9pm.

The 10km route covers landmarks such as Manchester Cathedral, St Ann’s Square and Spinningfields.

Rachel McMillan, deputy chief executive and director of clinical services at St Ann’s, said: “Huge thanks to Phil for agreeing to join us again at this year’s walk.

“As a charity we need to fundraise around £16,000 every day to keep our three hospice sites and community services running, so events like this are really important.

“It’s a favourite with local people and St Ann’s staff alike, and we can’t thank everyone who has signed up to take part enough for their support.  It really does make a huge difference to the lives of our patients and their families.”

Organisers are urging anyone interested in taking part to register as soon as possible.

Many fundraisers walk in memory of loved ones, with others happy to join the fun at this family event.

• To register please call the hospice on 0161 498 3631 or visit www.mmwalk.org.uk
• Early Bird fee of £15 is available until March 31, 2017. Following that date, the Standard Adult Fee of £20 applies for those aged 18 and over.  The Youth Fee for walkers aged 11-17 years (walkers must be aged 11 or over) is £10, with Previous Walkers at £15, and Groups (5 people or more) fee of £15 per person.