Walkers do their bit to aid hospice

ROSE Hanley, from Royton, gives big thumbs up at the start of the walk

FAMILIES, friends and even dogs enjoyed a nice rain-free Sunday at Dr Kershaw's annual hospice-to-hospice walk.

More than 400 people turned out in full force in support of the event, which is held every year in memory of a loved one.

They set off at 10am from the Royton hospice for the seven-and-a-quarter mile walk to Springhill Hospice in Rochdale. Back at Dr Kershaw's, the participants enjoyed well-deserved refreshments after all their hard work. Last year saw around 300 people take part in the hospice walk, raising over £18,000 for Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Lisa Pearson, income generation manager, said figures show that participants have raised a similar amount again this year.

She said: "It has been an absolutely crazy day. Thankfully the weather held. We got people registered today, which was partly down to the weather ­- we already had more than 300 people pre registered.

"We had More than 400 people take part, which is a record for this event. People are doing it in memory of a loved one. One guy came back from Ireland to do it in memory of his dad.

"We've had a lot of dogs this year, we're going to have to start doing canine medals at this rate! It has been great. Everybody said they really enjoyed it. Last year we raised more than £18,000 hopefully we've raised more than that."

Mum and daughter Susan Chadwick and Sam Partington, from Rochdale, enjoyed a nice walk while pushing Sam's 16-month-old son in a pram.

For Sam (37), it was her third time taking part in the walk. She said: "It was good, it's always good.

"My dad was in Dr Kershaw's in 2015. The hospice is amazing, it's the best place in the world. I couldn't recommend it enough to anybody. The staff here are amazing, the services are unbelievable."

Susan (66) added: "It was brilliant. I enjoyed it. We always enjoy it."

Steve Hill, deputy head at St Joseph's RC Primary School im Shaw, brought with him 14 pupils and their parents from the school.

He said: "It's great to have the children involved. Dr Kershaw's is one of our nominated charities this year which we're supporting.

"It was a great day out, great to be supporting the local hospice.

It was also good training for Mr Hill, who flies out to Peru at the start of June to take on the gruelling 250km Jungle Ultra Marathon.

"I'm a bit apprehensive, " Mr Hill added. "I'm questioning whether I've done enough training. But I'm ready to go and very much excited. I'm going into the unknown; that's part of the challenge and adventure. Bring it on!"

Millie and Michelle Howles were part of a group of 12 people and three dogs that took part in the walk.

Michelle (52) from Milnrow, said: "We think it was very well organised. It was fantastic. We've all got somebody that has used the hospice. Everybody has been touched by it one way.

"They were very welcoming at the Rochdale hospice. Even the people we met along the way, they even let people use their toilets and cars were beeping at us in support. There was a real sense of community."

Millie (26), from Shaw, said: "My grandma uses the hospice. It's very much a part of our life. It's a cause that's very close to out hearts."

The hospice already has three more fundraisers lined up this summer. The first is a summer fair, on June 11, after which there will be a glow walk on July 22 and finally the annual duck race on August 12.