A FAMILY will be honouring the memory of one of their relatives by taking on a five mile hike to support Bolton hospice.

Siobhann Mates, a retail administrator at the hospice, will be taking on the five mile hike alongside hundreds of others to raise money for the Hospice.

She will be accompanied by her family, including her husband, sons, daughter in laws and grandchildren.

They will be dedicating their walk in memory of Siobahnn's mother, Rita Quinn, who passed away at the Hospice in 1993.

The hike, which is on Sunday, December 1, will see masses of people trek over the rolling hills of Rivington and back again, in order to honour the memory of their loved ones.

Siobahnn and her family will just be a small group out of the brave walkers who will be enduring the elements, all in the name of charity and goodwill.

Those taking part in the hike will don Santa and elf outfits to help make the day a "truly magical festive family day out."

Siobahnn said: "When I heard of this event, I thought it would be a perfect as a festive family walk.

"Not only will it be fun dressing as Santas and elves but it will also allow all of us as a family to remember Mum.

"We miss her every day and this walk will allow us to talk and keep her memory alive.

"By raising sponsorship we will in some way be able to thank the Hospice for the exceptional care they gave to my Mum."

Hike the Pike will start from The Blundell Arms on Chorley Old Road in Horwich, on Sunday 1st December.

The walk will start at 1pm and lead to the top of the Pike and back again.

Registration is £12.50 and for adults £7.50 for children under 16. All will receive a Santa suit or an Elf suit as part of their registration.

A first wave of walkers will set off at 10am, while a second wave is set to being three hours later at 1pm. The first wave is already full, so limited places remain for the final wave.

A Hospice spokesperson said: "It's a poignant event and a family event.

"It's for people to come together as a family and remember their loved ones."

Last year, over 400 punters took part in the Rivington trek, raising a staggering £15,000 for their efforts.

Bolton Hospice is mainly funded by the people of Bolton, with it needing around £3.7 million raised each year to be able to continue providing free care and support.

If you would like to join the hike or find out more about what is involved, you can register at boltonhospice.org.uk or call events on 01204 6630555 (Ext. 3).