SICK children are to get a boost from town councillors in a 60-mile trek.

Sudell councillor Martin McCaughran wants people to join him and his colleagues in the trek from Darwen to Manchester Airport and back, to raise money towards the cost of transporting children to and from hospitals.

He said: “There are a lot of families in Darwen in difficult situations with poorly children.

"As well as having the stress of their child being ill, they often have to travel to hospitals across the country, which is very costly.

"These are tough times, and we town councillors don’t just sit here doing nothing, we want to help.”

Coun McCaughran, 48, said the town council had been inspired by 15-year-old Caitlin Jones, of Somerset Avenue, Darwen, who has raised over £12,000 for cancer charities since the death of her father in 2008.

Caitlin, who suffers from physical and learning difficulties, has to make regular trips to see specialists in Birmingham.

Coun McCaughran said: “This young girl has shown such determination to raise the money.

“People will think it’s crazy to walk from Darwen to Manchester and back within 24 hours, but I firmly believe it can be done.

"We need the same determination that Caitlin has shown.”

The town council has approached Caitlin to take part in the walk, which can be opted in and out of for people who cannot manage the full distance.

Tracy Jones, Caitlin’s mum, said: “I think it’s a superb idea. People have no idea about the tremendous expense of travelling up and down the motorways, food and entertainment needed, until they’ve had to do it.

"We don’t get any support, it’s down to the parents.”

No date has yet been set for the journey.

Manchester Airport has been chosen because of the high number of people the walkers can appeal to for donations.

To take part, contact Coun McCaughran on MMccaughran@ darwentowncouncil.org.uk.