SCORES of walkers recently took part in the Culture Crawl, the first fundraising walk for Maggie’s Manchester, a new cancer support centre in the grounds of the Christie Hospital.

The event - organised by Altrincham resident Ruth Tobi - saw 140 walkers stride out along a 10k twilight route to raise a five figure sum.

Setting out from the architecturally stunning Maggie’s Centre - the only building in Manchester designed by world-renowned architect Norman Foster – into and across Manchester stopping for fun, cultural experiences along the way.

Organiser Ruth said: "Maggie’s Manchester’s first Culture Crawl was a huge success,

"The atmosphere among our wonderful walkers was just was fantastic, matched by the enthusiasm of the venues providing the experiences - even the rain held off, it couldn’t have gone any better."

Sinead Collins, centre head at Maggie’s Manchester said of the walk, which took place on September 30: "Our walkers will have raised over £15,000 for Maggie’s Manchester.

"This money means that we can continue offering free support to people affected by cancer. During such a stressful time it is so important that people know there is somewhere to go, somewhere to get help and advice.

"This money will help us to do that. I am so grateful to all of the walkers who took part in our first culture crawl. This area has a reputation for huge generosity and this fantastic sum proves yet again how we in Manchester look after one another."

Maggie’s is a warm and welcoming place with qualified professionals on hand to offer free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

Ruth, 54, had been fundraising for Maggie’s through the company she worked for and was so taken with amazing difference the centre makes to people with cancer and their families that she changed career direction and now works at Maggie’s Manchester.

To find out more about Maggie’s Manchester, visit www.maggiescentres.org/ccmanchester