DAY trippers planning on visiting Blackpool illuminations later this month (October) are being asked to park the car and walk the five miles through the lights to help local cancer charity Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

For the last eight years, the charity has invited its supporters to join it on a family group walk along the Prom from Bispham tram stop to Starr Gate. Entry fees and sponsorship money from the annual event has funded projects benefitting local cancer patients valued at more than £30,000.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic means the walk cannot go ahead as usual but Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s chief officer Dan Hill is hopeful that people planning on visiting the resort, including during the half term holiday, will still walk the lights in their own bubbles to help its work.

Dan said: “It’s been well documented that charities such as Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which relies almost entirely on community events for income, are really struggling in the current climate. Usually, we have 400 people of all ages Walk the Lights with us. It’s great fun and everyone gets together afterwards to receive a certificate and enjoy the free refreshments that we provide.

"Obviously, restrictions mean we cannot do that this year but to quote a phrase that’s become quite familiar recently, cancer doesn’t stop for the coronavirus so neither does our work. We have projects we are desperate to fund so if you are planning on seeing the lights, please walk them safely to help us.”

The charity is asking anyone planning on going to Blackpool between Friday, 16th October and Sunday, 1st November to register to walk the lights for it via its website at www.rosemere.org.uk.