AN UNCLE has set off on an emotional walk in memory of his nephew.

Craig Fletcher is walking to Blackpool, carrying a banner bearing the picture of much loved Marc Palin.

The walk is one of two taking place today in memory of Marc Palin, who died at the age of 20 last Saturday. 

Tributes paid to Marc Palin who has died at the age of 20

Marc lived in Breightmet and had played for Breightmet Wanderers FC, until his mid-teens.

Members of the football club are walking to Holcombe.

Both walks are following strict social distancing rules.

Mr Fletcher says he is walking to raise awareness of mental health .

The banners he is carrying were made by Marc's cousins, 12-year-old Jake and eight-year-old Paighton Tarbuck.

Mr Fletcher is walking with with cousin Danny Spencer and friends of Marc. He has opted to do it in fancy dress, because he said it was something Marc would have laughed at.

The poignant walk will also raise money to support the family with funeral costs with any extra money going to mental health causes.

The walk set off from Red Lane the morning.

A family member told The Bolton News: "We are all proud of what they are doing, raising awareness of mental health, which is so important especially among men.

"It is going to be emotional, but they are all supporting each other and keeping each other going."

People came out of their houses in tribute to Marc as members of Breightmet Wanderers FC  as they walked through Breightmet to raise money for the Marc Palin Memorial Fund.

They are also carrying buckets to raise money for the fund.

The club posted on Facebook: " A massive shout out to Craig and his pals who set off even earlier on their mammoth trip to Blackpool. Good luck lads - we're right behind you."

To donate to the fund visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/marcpalinmemorialfund