AN eight-mile bare foot walk will launch the celebrations held in memory of tragic Emma Johnson.

The 21-year-old was found dead at a friend’s home in Farnworth at 1.30pm on Sunday, April 29, after spending the night before with pals in Bolton town centre.

Thirty-year-old Chris Goodwin, who had been out with the same group of friends, died shortly after.

Police linked their deaths as it is believed they had both taken amphetamine, alcohol and a synthetic powder stimulant known as bubble.

Darren Armstrong, founder and director of Be Strong, will be taking off his shoes and socks and walking from Bury Town Hall to The Roundhouse pub in Halliwell, where Emma’s event will be held on July 27.

The Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Reverend Chris Edmondson will be taking part in the walk along with Debbie Roberts, Ms Johnson’s father’s partner, and about 30 other people — the majority of people will be wearing shoes.

Activities will be held from midday and will go on until midnight. About 10 indie and mod-punk bands will be performing including Crash Course, of which Lee Johnson, Miss Johnson’s father is a member.

The family day will include raffles and prizes.

Mr Johnson said: “If we can prevent just one person from suffering the same fate as Emma, and prevent one family from going through what we went through, we’ll call Em-ma’s Event a total success.

“Emma would have loved the event. It’s going to be a celebration, it isn’t going to be morbid.

“It is going to be fun but emotional. It will be hard performing but she loved watching us.”

A small talk will be given about Miss Johnson and Mr Goodwin.

Mr Armstrong said that the money used will be used to fund a centre for the cause, which he hopes will include classrooms including a room for refurbishing white goods provided by John Roberts of DRL Appliances in Horwich.

It will also go towards sup-porting people like the Joh-nson family following a drug related bereavement and a foundation in the 21-year-old’s memory.

He added: “I think it is amazing that Emma’s family chose Be Strong.

“I feel very humble and privileged to carry her name into the future and raise awareness of drug abuse in the community.

Wristbands and T-shirts in Miss Johnson’s memory are also being sold to boost the funds.