WALKERS of all ages hit the trail to raise £650 for Grace’s Place.

A group of 31 fundraisers strode out along the Kirklees Trail from Brandleshome Road to Tottington in support of the new children’s hospice to be opened in Radcliffe.

Karen Roscoe, a childminder of more than 20 years, came up with the idea for the walk, after learning that Grace’s Place, set to open in the autumn, will provide palliative and end-of-life care for children living in the area.

Toddlers aged just 14 months whom Mrs Roscoe cares for, took part in the walk, along with adults who Mrs Roscoe once looked after.

The walk took the group about 90 minutes, and was also held in memory of baby Kadee-Lee Dilley, the daughter of Mrs Roscoe’s niece Lauren Dilley, who died at birth in June last year from anencephaly.

Mrs Roscoe, aged 57, said: “I’m really pleased with how the day went and how much we raised — I didn’t expect so many people to turn up.

“I wasn’t aware of Grace’s Place and I came across someone in town who was talking about the work they do.

“I was really touched when I learnt about them and I thought that, because I’m a childminder, it seemed a good idea.

“We also set balloons off for Lauren’s daughter, which was nice.

“Thanks to everyone who came along and helped raise money for an important cause.”