Pictures John Hopkins
THE lives of lost loved ones were remembered as walkers took to the streets of Warrington for ther first ever St Rocco’s Hospice Hike.
St Rocco’s Hospice Hike started and finished at Warrington Town Hall’s Bank Park and involved three distances to choose from: 10km, Half Marathon, Full Marathon.
The 10km Hike- 6.2 miles, involved a circular route, starting at the Town Hall, walk to St Rocco’s Hospice, past Halliwell Jones Stadium, over Howley Suspension Bridge on the River Mersey, through Victoria Park, past Palmyra Square, then crossing the finish line through the Golden Gates at Bank Park.
The Half Marathon Hike –13.1 miles was a circular route, starting at the Town Hall. Walk out of the town centre towards Victoria Park, going over Latchford Locks and onto the tranquil Trans Pennine trail. Then through Lymm Village and circling around the beautiful Lymm Dam (halfway) before heading back towards the finish along Weaste Lane with Cheshire countryside views. Then leading onto Knutsford Road passing, Ackers Pit and crossing the River Mersey at Stockton Heath. Finally reaching the town centre and crossing the finish line through the Golden Gates at Bank Park.
Finally the Marathon Hike- 26.2 miles was a circular route, starting at the Town Hall. Walk out of the town centre towards Victoria Park, going over Latchford Locks and onto the tranquil Trans Pennine trail. Coming off the trail, go through Lymm Village and along the Canal to Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens (halfway). On the way back, circle round the beautiful Lymm Dam before heading towards Grappenhall. The last stretch then leads towards Appleton passing the reservoir. Finally reaching the town centre and crossing the finish line through the Golden Gates at Bank Park.
There were special opportunities to remember loved ones on the day.
Those taking part received a bespoke event t-shirt and medal upon crossing the finish line.
Gullivers World supported the event by providing all participants that reach their fundraising target with a 2 for 1 voucher for the theme park.
There were food vendors on arrival for particpants to purchase breakfast before starting their exhilarating hike challenge. There was a staged warm up before the marathon walkers set off, followed by half marathon and 10km.
Those taking part included the amazing “Girl Power Golden Square Warrington” team taking part in memory of their dear colleague and friend, Alan Bell. This event held immense significance for them, as they honoured Alan’s memory while supporting St. Rocco’s, where Alan was cared for in his last weeks.
Prior to taking part the team said: “Alan was a cherished member of our community, and his warm presence touched the lives of everyone in Warrington. We’ve decided to lace up our hiking boots and take on this incredible challenge to pay tribute to his legacy!”
The wonderful team from NatWest also worked tirelessly to prepare the walk packs.
