A hospital charity has postponed their first post-pandemic fundraising event.

ELHT&Me, the official charity of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, was set to host an eight-mile walk on Sunday, July 4, but given the delay of lockdown easing, the event has been postponed until September 26.

The event will see NHS staff and members of the public join forces to raise much-needed funds for the charity, which supports hospitals in Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle, Clitheroe and Accrington.

Community fundraiser Emma Heinicke said: “We’ve taken the decision to change the date of The Big NHS Walk to September following the government announcement on Monday.

“We understand there may be some disappointment but we hope even more people will be encouraged to put on their trainers and join us on the day, following in the footsteps of the hundreds of people who took on our 2019 route.

“We’ve all been walking more during the pandemic and enjoying the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of getting out into the fresh air, whether alone or as part of a group. With us now having the summer months to prepare, what better way to get out and support your local hospitals – so get the new date in your diary.”

All walkers who have already signed up to the event have been contacted about the date change this week.

Anyone who cannot make the new date will not have to miss out as the charity has launched a virtual walk, starting from this weekend and running until the event.

Virtual walkers can be any age and can complete their eight miles at their own pace anywhere they like, in one go or spread out over different dates.

Visit https://elht.nhs.uk/big-nhs-walk to take part in the walk. Entry is currently at the early bird price of £20 for the in-person walk and £10 for the virtual event.