The Richmond-based charity Missing People is running a 'Light the Way' sponsored walk between 27 and 30 March.

The free-to-enter event aims to raise awareness and support for people who are missing and the friends and family that miss them.

Participants can register online and choose a time, place and distance that will suit them, or they can join a team of walkers.

Chantal Korcz, Missing People communications manager, said: "Missing is a crisis, and it can happen to anyone.

"We want to create an awareness of who we are, what we do and why this is such an important cause.

"This event is about creating the awareness that this is a growing issue, we need to put pressure on the government to make sure people get the right support."

There are opportunities to win a free beanie, torch and t-shirt while fundraising, plus a glowstick for registering.

Missing People works nationally with schools and community centres on topics like exploitation, but are looking to build a stronger connection with the Richmond community as that is where their offices are based.

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As well as registering online to participate in the walk, the charity is also urging people in the Richmond area to volunteer on their helpline or with fundraising.

The free-to-enter event aims to raise awareness and support for people who are missing and the friends and family that miss them (credit: Image supplied).

Korcz added: "We would love more people in the community to come out and work in our offices for a day."

Someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK and over 170,000 people are reported missing every year.

Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting missing people and their loved ones.

The charity also offers webinars, educational programmes for struggling families or anyone that would like to learn more about exploitation and what missing is.

Other upcoming events for Missing People include the Isle of Wight Challenge and the London Marathon.

Korcz continued: "I know Richmond has a very exercise-focused community so we would love people to get involved in these challenges and fundraise.

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"We list on our website the ones we would love to get people involved in."

Missing People also runs a free reconnection service for families that aided a Richmond family's reconnection threes year ago, after being separated for over 25 years.

To register for the Light The Way sponsored walk, sign up on the Missing People website.