A MEMBER of the security team at Blackburn's Mall shopping centre is planning a 26-mile walk to raise money for the hospice that cared for his late wife.

Ken Brogden, 55, of Oswaldtwistle, will trek from Blackpool's Houndshill shopping centre alongside 28 colleagues and friends to raise money for the East Lancashire Hospice.

The journey will take place on July 22, which would have been his wife Michelle's birthday. It would also have been their 11th wedding anniversary.

A celebration will then take place to raise further funds the next evening at the Alexandra Hotel in Darwen.

Mrs Brogden, who was a housekeeping operative at The Mall, met Mr Brogden in 2004 and they married in Heywood 21 months later.

She was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in October 2015 and died at the age of 54 in June 2016.

Mr Brogden said: “The care given to Michelle at the East Lancashire Hospital in her final weeks was brilliant and I really can’t thank them enough.

“The staff are amazing and they really supported the entire family through what was the worst time in our lives.”

Loraine Jones, general manager at the Mall, said: “We were all devastated when Michelle passed away and I know I speak on behalf of the entire team when we say we are very proud of Ken.

“This will be a fantastic achievement for a very deserving cause."