Kym Marsh was in Liverpool for a very special reason.
The Coronation Street star, from Whiston, was joined by her family to lead the start of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s glow green night walk. It comes after the 47-year-old lost her dad David Marsh to prostate cancer at the start of this year.
The actress was joined by over a thousand others as Liverpool turned green to raise money for the Wirral-based charity. Adorned in fluorescent green, LED glasses and holding glow sticks, around 1,500 people marched through the city in an 8km walk.
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The former Hear'Say singer said: "The story behind it is that my Dad was treated at Clatterbridge and sadly he passed away three weeks ago, his funeral was yesterday. He really wanted to be here, and he really wanted us to be here. So we’re here in memory of my dad, and to say thank you to Clatterbridge, because they were wonderful."
The event, which also marks World Cancer Day on Sunday, is expected to raise over £200,000 for the charity, which supports local people with cancer.
Katrina Bury, CEO at Clatterbridge Cancer Charity said “It’s quite breath-taking to see so many people creating a huge sea of light through the streets, with the city glowing green alongside them. We’re often told by the families who need Clatterbridge, how much it means, that these landmarks and local businesses light up to show their support.
"We couldn’t be more grateful, to Kym and the Marsh family for joining us, and for the support of everyone taking part. We’ve raised an incredible amount so far, which will truly change the lives of local people with cancer.
"I’d like to say thank you to everybody involved, especially our sponsor Arriva for helping to make Glow Green possible, along with a huge thanks to all of the buildings and landmarks who are lighting the way for the future of cancer care.”
Once the sun set, the route was lit up as Liverpool landmarks turned green for the national awareness day. The glow could be seen throughout the region with the Liver Building, St George’s Hall, the Three Graces, Knowsley's Greystone Bridge, Wallasey's Town Hall and Wirral's Ferry Terminal all shining. As part of the walk there was a chance for people to pause and reflect as hundreds of lanterns lit up the steps to the Metropolitan Cathedral, along with messages of thanks, hope and love.
Following Kym’s dad’s death, she took to Instagram to post a short but heartbreaking message. Kym shared a photo of herself and her dad hugging and captioned the photo: “Oh how I miss you daddy" followed by crying and broken heart emojis. David spoke openly about his prostate cancer and appeared on Morning Live alongside Kym to raise awareness before his death.
In 2021, the Waterloo Road actress took a break from presenting the BBC show, revealing she had been having anxiety attacks and struggling with her mental health amid her dad’s on-going health battle. David later appeared on the show during Men’s Health Week to urge men to get prostate examinations.
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