People from all over Bolton lit up the town centre on Saturday evening to remember their loved ones and support their hospice.
An annual fundraiser for Bolton Hospice, the eight-mile My Memories Walk drew hundreds of participants.
Among the many who had been deeply touched by the care the hospice and its staff had provided to their loved ones was Natalie Taylor, who was participating in memory of her grandmother Betty.
“You walk in and it feels homely, and the staff just makes you feel so welcome,” the woman remarked.
She added: “I didn’t really know much about the hospice until my nana went in but I was absolutely blown away.
“Obviously no one wants cancer but they helped her so much and cared for her in the most dignified way possible.”
The sponsored walk saw participants, adorned with colourful lights to brighten up the dark September evening sky, make their way from Bolton Town Hall, past the hospice, down Chorley New Road and all the way back to the hospice on foot.
Members of the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Temple on Deane Road also turned out in force to help the hospice, with their band playing in Victoria Square.
Tina Patel said: “As part of our values in the Mandir we believe in taking part in charitable activities and giving back to the community.
“We’ve worked with the hospice for a number of years and they looked after one of our community members in their final years so it really is important to us to help them however we can.”
Kevin Morris, a Bolton councillor for Halliwell, said he too had personal motivations for taking part.
He said: “One of my friends succumbed a few weeks ago to cancer and the care they gave at the hospice was really fantastic.
“So I wanted to do this for my friend and to help the hospice with its financial situation.
“Every penny really does help!”
Helping the hospice is a cause that has become all the more vital this year given the financial challenges it has faced.
Fundraising manager Angela Griffiths said: “This is really about allowing participants to remember their loved ones in a poignant way and to help raise money.
“We really didn’t know what to expect but we’ve seen a really strong, positive impact so far.”
This was echoed by hospice marketing manager Felicity Ransom.
She said: “Support is needed now more than ever and people have been helping any way they can.”
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