A walk to bring people together and tackle loneliness in the community took place this Easter.

And it took place in Rivington, the place where people traditionally gather on Good Friday, on Easter Monday.

The walk was organised by younger members of the congregation at St Mary’s RC Church Horwich.

The walk was organised by members of the church’s Youth Christian Workers (YCW) group to tackle loneliness in their local community.

They also fundraised for charity Age UK on the walk.

The Bolton News: Members of the YCW at St Mary’s RC Church Horwich organised the walk to combat lonelinessMembers of the YCW at St Mary’s RC Church Horwich organised the walk to combat loneliness (Image: UGC)

Ramblers made their way up Rivington Pike and then met at the church afterwards for sandwiches and cakes, with those who couldn’t go on the walk then joining.

Niamh Speakman, aged 20, of the YCW, said: “Myself, my friends Leah Rowlinson and Sarah Hoodless set up the group a few years ago.

“We thought about doing a survey in the community, seeing what action to take to try and reduce loneliness and encourage community-based activities.

“We thought of an Easter walk or a get together, and over the past few weeks have been getting together and planning a walk within the community.

The Bolton News: Parishioners enjoying the walk. L-R: Linda Evers, Joe Evers, Louise Speakman and Paul SpeakmanParishioners enjoying the walk. L-R: Linda Evers, Joe Evers, Louise Speakman and Paul Speakman (Image: UGC)

“To try and encourage people to get involved, we also did refreshments afterwards. 28 people turned up in the end.”

She continued: “We received contributions that will be going to Age UK to try and help reduce loneliness, the aim is to help older people suffering from loneliness in the community.

“And we’re trying to reduce this not just for old people but for young people as well, encouraging people to get together.”

Around £100 will be donated to Age UK from the fundraising.

The Bolton News: Rivington PikeRivington Pike (Image: UGC)

Niamh’s mother and church parishioner, Louise Speakman, said: “It stemmed from a survey they did within the church about loneliness.

“Get that information together to create an event so that anyone who is lonely within the parish could meet up.

“Some who were a little too old and couldn’t walk came for food at the end and a game of bingo.”

To learn more about Age UK, visit their website on: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/