Neon pinks t-shirts, Lycra, rah-rah skirts, leg warmers, glo-sticks and funky wigs were the order of the day on Saturday evening as more than 500 took part in the annual ‘Neon Night Walk’ raising much needed funds for ‘The Christie’. Amongst the walkers taking part in the 5k fun challenge around Salford Quays were a team of more than 50 from Slimming World groups from across Salford and Manchester including Irlam and Cadishead, Swinton and Wardley, Eccles and Stockport. That helped to transform the Plaza outside the Lowry at Salford Quays, into a scene from the popular 80’s cult TV Show ‘Fame!’ Dawn Thomas from Irlam was there to remember her good friend Christine Brooks her friend for 42 years who sadly passed away last year. She said, “I am carrying Christines blanket with us around the Quays so she can be with us in spirit.” Dawn a wheelchair users manged to cross both the start and finish line on foot before being pushed around the course by Slimming World co-ordinator Tracy Randall (both pictured with the blanket). Fellow Slimming World co-ordinator Sharne Wilkinson from the Swinton and Wardley groups who lives in Eccles, has already raised around £10,000 for charity in the last year after her partner Nikki Smallwood who also completed the ‘Neon Walk’ is thankfully in remission after being diagnosed with a rare form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Slimming World team developer for West Manchester Claire Hughes said, “I can’t find the words to explain just how proud I am that over 50 members in our area have got together to not only walk 5k but to also raise money for such an incredible charity.” Pam from Swinton added, “The walk is a great laugh and a bit of fun, but also really quite emotional as we think of loved ones and share moments and memories.” The walk motto ‘Walk Towards a Brighter Future’ so apt… World renowned ‘The Christie’ charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. Your support can help them to fund life-changing and potentially life-saving projects that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future. You can please donate at the JustGiving page for Manchester Slimming World’s fundraiser for the CHRISTIE CHARITY. Words and Pictures – Bill McLaughlin
