A MEMORIAL duathlon will be raising money for charity in memory of a toddler from Bolton.

The Ian Hesketh Memorial Duathlon is an annual event, and organisers choose a different charity to raise money for each year.

This year it will be raising money for When You Wish Upon a Star, a charity that aims to grant the wishes of children with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

The money is being raised in memory of Scarlett Walker, who died on February 25, 2016 aged just two.

Scarlett, who had an undetected heart condition, died after contracting flu.

At the time, Scarlett’s mum, Megan Burns, from Westhoughton, described her as a ‘little angel’.

The duathlon involves a 5km run, a 22km bike ride and then another 5km run.

The race is on Saturday and starts at 9am from Rivington Primary School.

It takes place against the scenic backdrop of Rivington.

The event is now full with 85 people having signed up, but the community is being urged to come and show their support for the participants.

There will be a raffle, entertainment and food in the village hall to enjoy for anyone who wants to come and show their support.

Brenda Hesketh, one of the organisers said: “Scarlett’s uncle will be taking part, he’s a very good runner and cyclist.

“Her grandmother is a friend of mine. We work together at Bolton School nursery. She’s still coming to terms with what happened but she hopes that maybe some good can come of it.”

In addition to giving to the chosen charity, a donation is made to Rivington Primary School for their support and Horwich RMI Harriers.

The duathlon has been staged for more than 19 years in various formats.