HUNDREDS of children helped raise money for Pendleside Hospice in the second ever ‘Little Heroes’ walk.

This year’s event was bigger and better than ever, attracting 500 families to take part in the three-mile walk around Towneley Park.

The money raised has not yet been counted, but the amount is thought to be in the thousands.

The unique event was inspired by Caine and Pharrell Hoyle, who wanted to raise money for the charity last year but were too young to take part in the main walk.

Caine, 12, who attends Hameldon Community Coll-ege, and Pharrell, eight, of Cherry Fold Primary, decided to host their own children’s event, Little Hospice Heroes, with the help of mum, Kelly Newman.

Kelly, who works as a domestic for St Peter’s Medical Centre, said: “The reason we all wanted to raise money for a good cause was because last year my mum, Sandra Newman, was diagnosed with lung cancer and received care from Pendleside Hospice during her treatment.

“Shortly after last year’s Little Hospice Heroes event, my mum sadly passed away and so we were doing the walk in her memory this time. The hospice also provided fantastic support to my dad, David Newman, and family after mum passed away so we wanted to give something back.”

Caine said: “My mum is always fundraising for good causes and taking part challenges like a sky dive or a 40 mile walk. Therefore Pharrell and I wanted to follow in her footsteps and start our own fundraising.”

Leah Mitchell, fundraiser for Pendleside Hospice, said: “Thank you very much to Kelly, Pharrell and Caine for thinking of the event and for working so hard to making it a success.

“It can now stand as a lasting legacy in memory of Sandra who attended the first ever Little Hospice Heroes last year.”