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Thousands of the ‘undead’ took to the streets of Birmingham today – raising a few eyebrows from city centre shoppers.

But instead of looking for human flesh to feast on they had turned out to raise cash for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The sixth annual Zombie Walk followed a route through the major roads of the city centre with participants groaning and moaning, but collecting cash on the way.

Organised by Jamie Chapman, the event has grown from a small gathering to a fixture on the city’s fundraising calendar with 2,000 attending the latest trek.

Zombies gathered in Centenary Square outside the Library of Birmingham before the hour-and-a-half trek to raise £15,000.

And to wind down many zombies joined after walk party at the starting point, followed by a late-night party at Subside.

Bernard McCarty, 44, from Moseley, was given a ticket as a birthday present.

The software engineer said: “I thought about just staying at home, we hadn’t heard of it before.

“I love seeing zombies doing mundane things like using a cash machine or having a coffee.”

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Pamina Stewart, 48, a sculptor from Moseley, said: “I think it’s amazing there’s such a disparate group of people all joining in together.”

Amanda Clarke, aged 40, a care assistant from Cannock, said raising cash for the Children’s Hospital was a cause close to her heart.

She said: “Two of my brothers were born disabled.

“We heard about the Zombie Walk last year so that was our first time of joining it, but our make-up wasn’t as good.

“It’s a really good laugh. You get some strange looks from people shopping, but they take it in really good spirits.”

Gearbox maker Pete West, 50, from Cannock, said: “I’ve been a big fan of zombie movies and games for years so this is a great excuse to get dressed up.”

Drew Lappin, aged 29, also from Cannock, said: “A friend of mine when I was little had leukaemia and spent most of his life in Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

“It’s also a good excuse to get dressed up, I feel right at home,

“Walking from the car park was interesting but once you’re here it’s all good.”

Karen Temple, 33, a mum from Northfield, said: “I have a friend whose daughter was looked after by the Children’s, they need all the help they can get.

“It’s such a great sight to see everybody turn out and the effort people have gone to with their costumes.

“I’ll be back again next year.”