A SCARF made by Wigan and Leigh Hospice patients and staff was stretched across the Leigh Centurions pitch at half-time last week.

The scarf was made of 500 red and white squares which were knitted by hospice users, their carers, volunteers from the hospice, the Good Yarn Knitting Group and the public who sent in squares following a public appeal.

At half-time during the Centurions' game against Toronto Wolfpack, 12 Oak Centre users and their carers, two volunteers and two members of staff from the Oak Centre at Wigan and Leigh Hospice staff headed on to the pitch to hold the scarf. They were led out by children from Golborne Parkside U10’s team.

The Oak Centre is open to people who have a life-limiting illness and are supported through a range of therapies and social activities to improve their physical or emotional wellbeing.

Lucy Atkinson, creative therapies co-ordinator at the hospice, said: “The original idea was to make a scarf long enough to wrap around the whole team but it was then suggested by members of the Wool Warriors to create a scarf which would reach the length of the pitch.”

Many Freeman, rehabilitation assistant, who attended the match, added: “When we went on to the pitch they made an announcement to say where we were from and how the scarf had been made to raise awareness of the work of the hospice and everyone was clapping and cheering. Every patient said it had been a fantastic day. I’d like to thank Leigh Community Trust and Leigh Centurions for making us feel so welcome.”

Wigan and Leigh Hospice cares for people from the area who have been diagnosed with an illness which is incurable.

The charity cares for people with a range of conditions including cancer, heart failure and COPD.