A BOLTON vicar stepped out with a group of campaigning marathon walkers. Rev Ian Brown, vicar of St Paul's Halliwell, joined the "Cry For Justice" walkers who are en route from John O'Groats to Land's End to highlight the plight of unborn children. The walkers are led by Brian Warburton from Wales on the 1,000 mile route.

And when the walkers stopped in Manchester Rev Brown was there to support the trek, organised by The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children.

Rev Brown is national chairman of SPUC Evangelicals.

His eldest son, Daniel had Down's Syndrome and suffered other disabilities, including a weak heart and deafness.

He said: "Far from being a burden - which is how doctors and social workers are apt to think of disabled people - he was, without doubt, the greatest asset to our family.

"When he died aged 16, three years ago, my wife and our two surviving sons experienced the most profound loss and enormous grief."

Rev Brown is critical of "some so-called Christian leaders who actually advocate killing the disabled unborn children".

Mr Warburton and his family joined SPUC when his daughter was asked to undergo an amniocentesis test because it was suspected her child had Down's Syndrome.

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