A POIGNANT memorial walk will be held to honour those who have died at Bury Hospice, as the charity prepares to move to its new home.

More than 3,000 people have died at the hospice in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, since it opened in 1991.

Hospice staff are organising a memorial walk on Sunday, February 10, to pay tribute to those who have died as they prepare to move to the new hospice in Rochdale Old Road, Bury.

Each walker will carry a balloon in memory of their loved one for the three-and-a-half mile walk from Close Park, in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, to the new hospice.

A paper chain bearing the names of those who have died will be placed around the new building and the balloons will be released following a short ceremony.

Jacqui Comber, the hospice’s chief executive, said: “When we move to our new hospice, we need to ensure that the memories of those we have cared for at Dumers Lane are brought with us.

“The walk will enable families and loved ones, alongside hospice staff and volunteers, to take their own special thoughts and memories to the new hospice.”

The walk starts at noon and anyone wishing to take part should meet at Close Park before 11.45am. People are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothes, and well-behaved dogs on leads can join the walk.

Anyone wishing to take part should complete the form below and send it, before Monday, February 4, to: Bury Hospice, Eternal Memory Walk, Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, Bury, M26 2QD. Or you can email general@bury hospice.org.uk or call 0161 7259800.