Trafford Council worker's 50-mile trek for Bolton Hospice

Joe Slade, a communications officer for the council, and brother John Slade aim to leave John's Sheffield home on May 6 and to arrive at Bolton Hospice on May 8.

Bolton Hospice cared for the brothers' late mother, Mary Slade, before she died with cancer a year ago.

Joe, 44, from Bury, said: "Our mum’s final days were spent at the hospice. The staff and the volunteers were all marvellous. They looked after her, kept her comfortable and made sure mum reached the end of life peacefully and with dignity.

"We wanted to do something to remember mum but also to raise money for the hospice."

The route goes through the Peak District before it goes into Greater Manchester, with the brothers stopping in Little Lever, where their mother lived, then at Bolton Hospice.

John 48, a schoolteacher, said: "Any money we raise will go straight to the hospice to spend on the people they look after. We want to do our bit so other families in our situation so their loved ones can be cared for with compassion.

"I’m doing the Manchester Marathon in April so I should still be pretty fit from training for it. I’m not sure about my brother though. He might have to walk a few more miles and drink a few less pints."

A spokesperson for the hospice said: "On behalf of everyone at Bolton Hospice I'd like to extend a huge thank you to Joe and John for choosing to support the hospice by undertaking this challenge.

"As a local independent charity, government funding only covers a fraction of our costs and it's only thanks to generous supporters like these two that enable us to continue providing free specialist care and support to families in Bolton when they need it most – thank you for your kind support."

To contribute to the page on JustGiving, go to justgiving.com/fundraising/mountains-marathonsformary.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.