FUNDRAISERS from Bolton have helped raise more than £1 million for a cancer charity.

People from the town took to the streets of Manchester for Cancer Research UK’s Shine event.

It was the charity’s first nighttime walking marathon and 7,500 people took part in a bid to raise £1 million.

Among the fundraisers was Joanna Williams, who grew up in Harwood and still has relatives here, who is battling cancer for the second time.

The 34-year-old, who now lives in Chorley, decided to fundraise after beating skin cancer, malignant melanoma, only to be told she has a brain tumour.

The headteacher in Didsbury said: “Taking part in the Shine event to raise money for Cancer Research UK was an amazing experience and I felt extremely proud to be part of it all.”

Clive Barley, who works at Leighs Paints in Bolton, also took part in the event.

The 62-year-old, who lives in Lytham St Annes, has survived bowel cancer and is a frequent fundraiser for the charity.

The human resources manager said: “It was a fantastic night with a brilliant atmosphere, and it was great to see so many people coming together to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.”

Six local women, who lost 26 stone between them with the help of weight loss company, Lighterlife, celebrated their achievements by joining in with Shine.

Christine Pritchard, Vikki Rawlinson, Bridget McKone, Colleen Willoughby, Vickie Southgate and Laura McGeever took to the streets to mark their success and raise vital funds.

Mrs Pritchard, aged 48, of Bolton, said: “This is an amazing cause.”

Jayne Leggat, Cancer Research UK Shine event manager, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the event such a huge success.”