A COUNCILLOR raised more than £8,000 during his year as Westhoughton mayor for the charity who cared for his dying father.

Bolton Hospice were presented with the cheque by Cllr Christopher Peacock, who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, on September 15.

The total sum of £8,320.51 was gathered through a number of dinners, parties and fundraising ventures — including Cllr Peacock embarking on the Great North Run last year.

Cllr Peacock’s father Tony died from bowel cancer in 2006 and was cared for by the hospice.

Cllr Peacock said: “I was really pleased with how much was raised.

“This was my first opportunity to do something substantial for the hospice since my father’s death.

“I’ve done bits, such as buying things from the shop and putting into collections, but this was the first major project.”

The hospice must find £2.5 million each year to provide its services and Cllr Peacock praised the level of care his father received during his stay.

He added: “During that period in the hospice the care he received and help we had as a family was fantastic.

“I will never be thankful enough for the care he received.

“When you think about how much they need every year the amount I have raised pales into insignificance but I know it will go some way to helping.”

Alice Atkinson, from Bolton Hospice, said: “He has done fantastically well to raise such an amount.

“We obviously want to say a big thank you to him and everyone that has supported him.

“He has done lots of different activities and is a great advocate for the hospice and I’m sure he will continue to support us.

“We have to raise such a huge amount every year to fund our services, that Chris’s contribution is hugely appreciated.”