Friends and family gather to remember 'a character who lived his life to the full'
A Bolton man in remission from cancer will be taking part in a poignant 10-mile walk today (Saturday, June 14) in memory of a friend who died from the disease a year ago.
Bryan Griffith and 54 other family members, friends and supporters of Nicky Fulop will gather near Bury Hospice to walk the 10-miles to Bolton Hospice.
They will be raising money in memory of Nicky, also from Bolton, who died last July from kidney cancer.
The self-employed joiner spent just three weeks in Bolton Hospice but, explained Katrina Brandwood his partner of 28 years, 'They were the best weeks of his life.'
Nicky, described as 'a character who lived his life to the full', became ill originally in 2022 and began treatment in 2023. The father and grandfather, who was previously fit, continued working five days a week until the illness made this impossible and always remained positive about his future.
He died on July 27 aged 65.
While Nicky was having chemotherapy, his friend Bryan would take him for treatment.
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Then Bryan himself was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a group of blood cancers, and began his own treatment.
'I think Nicky was more worried about Bryan's illness than he was about his own,' stated Katrina.
Bryan, who used to have a cleaning business, often worked for Nicky.
'He was the best boss,' said Bryan, 'It wasn't really like going to work because we had fun.'
Bryan had raised money for the hospice over many years and understood both its importance and the work of the Hospice.
For Nicky and Katrina, his going into the Hospice was an eye-opener.
'It really is an amazing place,' said Katrina. 'It looks after its patients so well but also all the family. It cares for them all.'
Bryan was treated for his cancer at the Royal Bolton Hospital where 'amazing' staff helped him towards remission last October. In order to maintain his fitness levels, he began walking on his own each day. However, he was advised for safety reasons to inform other people before going out alone so he decided to join a walking group last November.
Since then, he has been going out regularly with Bolton Walking and Outdoor Appreciation Society. This new structure and friendship encouraged him to organize the fundraising walk which has already raised £1,280 for the Hospice.
Greater Manchester Transport is letting them have a bus from Bolton Hospice to take the walkers to Bury – 'and I'd like to give them a special thank-you,' added Bryan.
'Hospices are going through a really tough time at the moment. They urgently need funds and do a great job. What would we do without them?'
To find out more about the fundraising walk email bryan_bclean@hotmail.com and to support the event go their JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/b-griffith-1
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