Over 400 youngsters accompanied by family members and friends had joined together to support patient care at St. Rocco’s by completing the annual one mile sponsored Lantern Walk around the Park.

Although the weekend weather, dominated by Storm Brian, had been wet and windy, it cleared just as the crowds began to gather. There was even a glimpse of the sunset as dusk settled to be illuminated by hundreds of lanterns, twinkling head gear and the lights from the rides of Chadwick’s Fair.

The walkers followed the cheerful and rhythmic sound of the samba band around the park, whose members were also bedecked with hundreds of fairy lights. As well as the fairground rides, popular children’s characters including Iggle Piggle, Bob the Minion and a Star Wars Stormtrooper joined the hospice’s own mascot Rocco to meet the children and pose for pictures.

The event could not have taken place without over 100 volunteers giving up their time to marshall the route, hand out medals and goody bags, register the walkers and help to set everything up during the day.

Pam Massey, CEO at St. Rocco’s who thanked everyone before the walk said,

“It is wonderful to see so many people here this evening, not at all put off by this weekend’s weather, to help us to continue looking after those in the Warrington area with terminal and life-limiting illness. St. Rocco’s belongs to the people of Warrington and, as a charity, without their support we simply would not be able to continue. The sponsorship raised from events such as this is vital in helping us to continue delivering our care to those who need it.”

If you missed the Lantern Walk, then there is another opportunity to shine a light for those we love through St. Rocco’s Light Up a Life where members of the public are invited to dedicate a light on the St. Rocco’s Christmas tree in return for a donation towards patient care. Find out more at here or call the Fundraising team on 01925 575780.