KIND-HEARTED fundraisers have begun training for this year’s Starlight Walk for St Rocco’s and the hospice has a special significance for one young mum who is taking part for the third time.

Kim Bird, 36, of Padgate, lost her mum Barbara Davis to ovarian cancer in October 2014 and says that the support they received from St Rocco’s during the illness was 'amazing'.

“I really don’t know what we would have done without having something so local that we could get to so easily at any time of the day or night,” she said.

Kim is doing the Starlight Walk with her best friend Alison Purcill to support the work of St Rocco’s and said it is a great way to catch up while they walk the full 13-mile route through Warrington.

“I think because my mum was nursed there it gives you that little bit extra incentive to raise money because you know how amazing it is.

“Because my mum was so kind to my friends, they do the walk now because St Rocco’s were so kind to her.”

The walk begins at midnight on June 17 and fundraisers can choose to do one circuit of the 6.5-mile route or the full 13 miles.

Kim said the route is great because it passes through all the places she remembers from growing up in Warrington, including the spot where she got engaged and the site where Mr Smith’s nightclub used to be.

“This year we moved house and we are going to walk right past my house. The atmosphere is amazing – the stewards bring sweets and chocolates and it keeps you going.

“The first time it took us ages. The last time we were in the first few to finish – it takes a while but you don’t feel like it takes any time at all.”

She said that even people who have been out clubbing stop to cheer the walkers on because they know it is for charity.

While her mother was at St Rocco’s Kim often took her four-year-old daughter Jessica to visit and she hopes that one day they will do the Starlight Walk together.

“She was so close to my mum. She still remembers things about my mum – it’s amazing that someone was so young and she can remember.

“Even now if she sees the sign she will say that’s Rocco’s where nanna was looked after.”

Kim, who is a nurse at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, said Warrington is lucky to have such an amazing hospice where all of the staff are so caring.

St Rocco’s Starlight Walk is sponsored by LiveWire and takes place at midnight on June 17.

For more information and earlybird registration visit starlightladieswalk.org.uk or call 575780.