A MEMORIAL walk to celebrate the life of a 20-year-old man, who waged a brave battle with leukaemia, has been arranged for later this month.

Family and friends of Mark McMurray, who died in 2007, are behind ‘Mr Brightside’s Walk’ from Clitheroe to Stanhill on Bank Holiday Sunday.

Several fundraisers have already taken place in aid of the Young Oncology unit at Manchester’s Christie’s Hospital, to mark the passing of the former Rhyddings Business and Enterprise College student.

His sister Nicola McMurray, 39, thought it would be timely, a decade after his death, to bring together as many people who knew him as possible.

Nicola said: “This time we wanted to get all his friends together, some of whom we’ve not seen for maybe 10 years, while helping out the Christie.

“We are looking to do something fun, which is what he would have wanted, and have arranged for a 20km charity walk and pub crawl.

“People can turn up in fancy dress, or join us along the way, just as long as we get something together for the Young Oncology unit.

“It seems like you read all the time about someone else who has to travel to America or Europe, in order to get treatment, so we know our hospitals really need this help.”

The intrepid fundraisers are planning to set off from the Bowland Brewery, in Clitheroe, at around 10am and will stop off at a number of hostelries en-route, aiming to arrive at Stanhill Working Mens Club at around 7pm.

That night there will be a 90s disco, with an auction, raffle and buffet pencilled in. Tickets are priced at £10.

Mark, of Brookside View, Oswaldtwistle, worked as an apprentice at JDS Trucks in Blackburn but had to give up his post when his treatment began to take its toll. He later helped out in the family haulage business.

Older brother David, who he lived with, was ready to act as a bone marrow donor.

His condition deteriorated after he developed a disease which attacked his immune system though.

Later he contracted osteoporosis but, according to his family, continued to show great determination.

Those interested in taking part in the May 28 walk can contact Nicola on 07717 882370 or e-mail nicolamcmurray@mcmurrayshaulage.com