Brian’s always been game for a laugh!

Brian Hurst

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FROM kneeling before a sword-wielding marathon runner to supping a pint of Oldham’s finest, fundraising supremo Brian Hurst has done it all.

The retiring appeals manager for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has one of the best-known faces in Oldham, due to his passion for the hospice and his willingness to support local fundraisers.

He has never been afraid to do something silly to boost the profile of the Royton hospice and publicise its never-ending need to raise vast amounts of money.

He has never baulked at the requests of Chronicle photographers to strike weird and wonderful poses to best illustrate the event at hand.

And he has happily travelled from event to event to show his support which has taken up many evenings and weekends, and most definitely beyond the call of duty.

His retirement will be the end of an era not only for him, but for the many thousands of people who have relentlessly raised money for the hospice in the 14 years he has been at the fundraising helm.

Today we look back at some of the memories he has helped to create.

Say farewell to Brian on his last day by taking a picnic and joining him in the hospice gardens on Saturday.

Organisers want to send him off in a blaze of glory, and are inviting supporters to take their own picnic as they wish him well.

The Alan Bracewell Band will provide the music for the 6-9pm event. Tickets cost £3 each from the appeals office on 0161-624 9984.