Children remember their dad and uncle at Parade in the Park

Oliver, Poppy and Bailey

Schoolgirl Bailey Williams is taking part in a Parade in the Park in memory of the father she never saw.

Bailey, from Wardley, Swinton, was born three months after her dad David died of bowel cancer in September 2009.

David was just 28 and spent his last couple of weeks as a patient at our Little Hulton site. He had been diagnosed three years earlier.

Bailey will be joined by mum Cheryl, auntie Jenna Stone and cousins Oliver (6) and Poppy in the one kilometre walk in Parr Fold Park, Walkden, on Saturday, September 30.

Poppy, from Atherton, is seven months old and will be pushed in her pram, joining dozens of other children and parents in the sponsored walk organised by St Ann’s.

They are all looking forward to enjoying a family fun day with music and entertainment, games and activities, starting at 10 am. The walk is at 11 am.

Cheryl said: “I saw the Parade in the Park advertised on Facebook and Jenna has taken part in the Manchester Midnight Walk in memory of her brother. The Parade is a great event because children can take part and I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful atmosphere.

“It’s nice to support St Ann’s Hospice because the care David received was outstanding, although it’s not easy going back and I’ve probably been there twice since he died.”

Entry is £7 per child, or £5 per child for groups of three or more children. Adults go free. To enter call 0161 498 3631, email events@sah.org.uk or sign up online here.

*To sponsor the family go to paradeinthepark.everydayhero.com/uk/1km-parade-in-the-park

Event Organiser Fran Wilson said: “It’ll be a fun day out and we expect some of those walking will want to honour the memory of loved ones. They’ll receive dedication ribbons of remembrance which will be placed on the bandstand for one week after the event.”