An uncle says he has been overwhelmed by the response to an emotional walk he completed in memory of his nephew.

Craig Fletcher, joined by family and friends, walked for over 14 hours from Bolton to Blackpool on Saturday carrying a banner bearing a picture of Marc Palin.

The walk was one of two which took place over the weekend in memory of Marc, who died at the age of 20 last Saturday.

Marc lived in Breightmet and had played for Breightmet Wanderers FC until his mid-teens.

Members of the football club completed a second walk to Holcombe.

The money raised from the walk will support the family with funeral costs, with any extra money going to mental health causes.

Mr Fletcher said: “It was very emotional, there were a lot of ups and downs but it was worth it.

“We’ve had a great response, so far there has been £1200 and the donations are still coming.

“I think we underestimated how far it was, the walk was very tiring and everyone’s got blisters all over their feet.

“We left ours at 8am and we arrived at the end of Blackpool pier at 10.41pm. It took fourteen and a half hours to complete with no stops.

“There were seven of us, and my brother Brian joined halfway to make it eight. My nephew Mackenzie also joined for the last 12 miles, he’s only 15 years old.

"We all wore dresses and wigs, but we did leave the heels at home.

“It was hard and we didn’t realise how the wind would push us back and blow the banners everywhere."

Mr Fletcher added: “There was so much support, we actually got a bit overwhelmed by it all. People kept stopping us and saying 'Is this the walk for Marc?' Lots of people came up to us even if they didn’t know him. It was great.

“We had people dropping off snacks and drinks, even a crate of beer. At one point we had to refuse because we were so full.

“Any extra money raised will be going to a mental health cause, and I think that’s looking likely because we’ve raised so much.

“It was overwhelming, when I got home I actually got into bed and cried. But it’s been brilliant. Marc was probably up there laughing at us. I think he would have been the first one to join in on the walk.

“We all said how it will be a day we will never forget, and one I don’t think we’ll do again - we would definitely need to practice first."

“The response has been amazing, it’s helped a lot. The walk has brightened things up. I think Marc kept the rain off us.

“We’re all really sore but we’re happy.”