Hospice walk’s record turnout

A FUND-RAISING hospice-to-hospice walk attracted a record 155 participants to raise much-needed cash for Dr Kershaw’s.

The annual event involves a synchronised start by walkers from Dr Kershaw’s in Turf Lane, Royton, and from Rochdale’s Springhill Hospice in Broad Lane. And there is much good cheer as the walkers passed each other twice on the return seven-and-a-quarter mile sponsored trek.

Cheryl Sefton, administration assistant at Dr Kershaw’s, took part in the walk, now in its fourth year.

She said: “It was gorgeous weather and there were lots of new faces. Money is still coming in — last year we raised around £8,000.”

Appeals manager Brian Hurst refused to stay at home where he is recovering from a vicious attack and went to Dr Kershaw’s to see the walkers off. He has been told to stay off work for another three weeks by doctors who are concerned about the damage caused to his elbow.

Brian was knocked to the ground and robbed by a thug as he was walking to bank charity money.