TWO sisters from Ramsbottom will open Peel Tower this month in memory of their brother who died last year.

Barbara Shelton and Vivien Lee will be raising the flag and opening the tower, which stands on top of Holcombe Hill, to raise funds and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association after their brother Colin died from the disease.

They will be joined by Colin’s widow Christine Lee from 10am-4pm on Sunday, June 24.

Barbara said: “We were all devastated when Col got his diagnosis in 2015.

“He was determined to carry on as normal for as long as possible and was very brave throughout his illness.

“ It was harrowing to see the effects of the disease as it progressed, and the emotional and practical help given by the Motor Neurone Disease Association was invaluable, especially to his wife, Christine”.

Motor neurone disease is a fatal rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, attacking the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work.

It kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis.

The disease affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time and kills six people every day. There is no cure.

The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland focused on MND care, research and campaigning.

Denise Davies, head of community fundraising at the MND Association, said: “Without the amazing support of people like Barbara and Viv, the MND Association simply would not be able to provide its vital support services, fund research to find a cure and campaign and raise awareness of MND.

“Together we are making a real difference for people affected by this devastating disease.”

Admission to climb to the top of the tower is £2 for adults, £1 for concessions and under 16s, under 3s free, and a family ticket is £5.