A WALKING marathon to raise money for St Rocco's Hospice began at the Golden Gates this morning, Saturday.

Plenty of happy faces could be seen congrugating on the grass verge ready to start the hike which included a 10k, half marathon and full marathon.

Registration for St Rocco's Hospice Hike opened at 8am, with breakfast and a sports massage therapy on offer to all attendants.

The route began at the town hall and then headed towards Victoria Park before getting to Latchford Locks and onto the Trans Pennine trail.

Then passing through Lymm, walkers were able to see the beautiful Lymm Dam before circling back towards the finish line at the Golden Gates.

Warrington Guardian: Ry Hassell and his wife Susan completed the 10k in just 90 minutes Ry Hassell and his wife Susan completed the 10k in just 90 minutes (Image: Ry Hessell)

Event participant, Ry Hessell from Bewsey said he and his wife Susan raised money to enter the free hike event in honour of family members that had received vital care from the charity.

"My wife’s parents Mike Britton and Jean Britton were both blessed during their final days with the most amazing, care, compassion and kindness.

"And for that reason my wife Susan Hessell felt compelled to join the cause and raise a few quid for the charity," he said.

While the race is free to all who apply, in order to register, each person must pledge to raise a minimum amount specified by St Rocco's for each of the three hikes. 

Ry added: "My wife also helped me through tough times after losing my Dad to lung cancer on my 50th birthday last year, so I was so happy to support her and do the hike with her."

He also spoke of the uplifting breakfast served up by food van owner, Bennie Westwood, which he said was 'absolutely delicious'.

The sports massage therapy provided to all participants before and after the race was delivered by Sean Millington, owner of SM Sports Therapy.

To find out more about the event, visit St Rocco's website stroccos.org.uk/