MORE than £10,000 has been raised in memory of a man who tragically died of cancer.

Stephen Parkinson, 62, passed away at East Lancashire Hospice in March last year after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in September 2015.

Mr Parkinson worked for H&T Presspart in Blackburn for 28 years. The company makes inhalers for the pharmaceutical industry.

In memory of their much-loved employee, staff at the company have taken part in a number of fundraising events, raising £10,048.22.

His fundraising page reads: “Steve, who was a beloved work colleague who had been at H&T Presspart for over 27 years, sadly passed away surrounded by his family at East Lancashire Hospice earlier this year (March 2017) following a brave battle against cancer.”

Fundraising events held included a 62-mile bike ride – a mile for every year of his life, and 28 laps of Whitebirk industrial estate where the company is based, to represent the number of years he worked at the company, and a 6.2-mile walk.

In total, more than 80 members of staff took part in the challenges and the events allowed everyone of all abilities to take part in raising money for the cause.

The fundraising was brought to a close with a barbecue thanks to Whittakers Butchers in Oswaldtwistle, who will donate the proceeds of the catering costs to the hospice.

The events have been co-ordinated by quality engineer Vicky Auernigg and transport co-ordinator Ann Marie Boothman, who both worked with Mr Parkinson.

Ms Auernigg said: “Steve, known as Parky, worked at Presspart for such a long time and was known by almost everyone here that so many people wanted to be involved.

“What began as an idea for a charity bike ride soon turned into a massive event and just snowballed.

“Steve’s son, Ste, who is maintenance group leader, took part in the 28 laps and more of Steve’s family joined in on the 6.2-mile walk.”

The cheque was presented to East Lancashire Hospice at the company’s Christmas party by Tony Cross, managing director, who also took part in the 62-mile bike ride.

Ms Auernigg said: “We thought this would be an ideal opportunity to thank everyone for their participation and involvement which raised this terrific amount.”

H&T Presspart donated £5,000 to the cause.

Ms Bootham added: “It was quite an emotional day but it was also wonderful to see everyone come together to raise money for the hospice that helped Steve in his final days, and we wanted to give something back in his memory.”

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ppb-team-donations-2017.