People from all over Bolton lit up the town centre on Saturday evening to remember their loved ones and support their hospice.

Hundreds of people gathered for the eight-mile My Memories Walk, an annual event which helps to raise money for Bolton Hospice.

Natalie Taylor, taking part in memory of her nana Betty, was one of many who had been profoundly moved by the care the hospice and its staff had given to their loved ones.

She said: “You go in and it feels homely, all the staff just make you feel so welcome.”

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.”