Twilight 10k Swinton walk this weekend in memory of brain tumour patient

Just months before Luke Billups’ death, he had taken part in a charity twilight walk with his friends and family, who wore distinctive hats and dubbed themselves Luke’s Blue Beanie Brigade.

On Sunday (29), his family will once again don the hats and walk a 10k route around Swinton to raise money for Rotherham Hospice and the Brain Tumour Charity. 

Mum Christine Billups said: “Last year’s walk was a huge success. We were expecting maybe 20 walkers, but more than 80 people came. 

“We raised £1,500 and we’re hoping for 100 walkers this time.

“Raising money is the focus but also we want to keep Luke’s memory alive and try and get something positive out of the sadness.” 

Rock climber Luke (28), who lived in Thrybergh, was diagnosed in May 2017 with the most aggressive brain tumour — a grade four inoperable glioblastoma — and his health quickly deteriorated.

Luke (pictured, below), a business management graduate and talented pianist, died in January last year.

The former Swinton Comprehensive pupil will be remembered this weekend at the charity walk, which Christine hopes will raise awareness of the cancer that is the biggest killer for children and under 40s.

The walk will start at Swinton’s Park View Social Club at 4pm, where there will also be a pie and pea supper, auction and raffle at 6.00pm.

Christine said attendees could get involved in the walk or just enjoy the evening entertainment.

Entry to the prize draw and supper cost £10.