EMOTIONS ran high on Saturday as family and friends walked together in memory of a popular 22-year-old man who died four years ago after being hit by a train.
An inquest heard Adam Connelly, from Tyldesley, was believed to have climbed a 5ft wall beside a bridge between Engine Lane and Peel Lane in Atherton in before getting onto the railway line.
Around 20 people set off from The Gatehouse pub in Tyldesley before going through the town centre and towards Howe Bridge.
The group completed their 12k journey after heading back to One Two Four Deli restaurant on Elliott Street for complimentary food.
Adam’s uncle, Liam Connelly, wore a Power Rangers morph outfit while others wore Papyrus t-shirts to draw attention to their trek.
The event was organised in support of young person’s charity, Papyrus, in a “Hopewalk” to help raise awareness of the work the organisation does.
Adam’s auntie Nicola, 39, said: “It was an emotional day and Adam was in our thoughts all day.
“We were also thinking of other people that we knew.
“It was a brilliant event and everyone was in high spirits. It was really nice with Adam’s close family and friends being there.
“Along the way people were asking us what we were doing it for. And that was the point of the Hopewalk – to raise awareness of Papyrus as well as money.”
Adam's uncle Liam wearing a Power Rangers morph suit
Adam's cousin Amber wearing an Adam's Legacy Fund t-shirt and his sister Rhianna Edwards
Adam's mum and dad, Joanne and Darren
Nicola also heaped praise on the kindness of the community as the group were on their journey.
Around £2,000 has been raised, including a bucket collection and funds from sponsors.
Pubs that the group stopped at on the way, The Union Arms in Tyldesley and Atherton and Tyldesley Botanical Gardens Association, donated funds too.
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Nicola said: “Cars were pulling up to give donations and shopkeepers donated as well.
“Drivers were also beeping their horns as they passed.
“When we got back to One Two Four Deli a toast was raised for our efforts and achievements.”
Following Adam’s death, his family set up Adam’s Legacy Fund, a cause to raise awareness and money for Papyrus.
The walk followed a race night held at the Atherton and Tyldesley Botanical Gardens Association when around 150 people helped to raise £4,700 for the charity.
It was organised to mark the fourth anniversary of Adam’s death.
Nicola is also planning to hold another charity event at the Tyldesley Road venue on June 27 next year in aid of Papyrus.
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