FAMILIES are being invited to bring instruments, pots, pans — or just their voices — to make musical noise at a charity walk in Horwich.

Gemma Mooney, a member of psychedelic alt indie band Throwing Pandas, is organising the musical walking event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The charity is close to the musician’s heart after her granddad Peter Berry was diagnosed with bowel cancer and was cared for by the charity’s nurses.

The 31-year-old, who lives in Horwich, said: “I lost my granddad to cancer in November and I’m passionate about the work of Macmillan.

“He had a lot of support from them.

“They were a great help to us.

“He chose to stay at home and we stayed with him for the last two weeks.

“We cared for him in the last days and had so much support from the nurses.

“It’s important they get this money.”

The event will take place on Sunday, June 29, meeting at Rivington Barn at noon before walking up to the pike.

The mother-of-two, who works at a sales office in Bolton, will take part with partner Daniel Liptrott, as well as other musicians and bands, and is urging people to get involved.

She said: “I know a lot of musicians in Bolton and Greater Manchester.

“I had the idea I wanted to do a walk but doing it where we are all playing at the same time.

“I’m just trying to get as many people involved as possible and raise as much money as possible.

“It’s a family day. We’ve done charity gigs in the past but that’s very restrictive.

“It’s for all ages. An easy walk, slowly and leisurely with stops along the way.”

Once the walkers reach the pike, they can enjoy a picnic while singers and bands perform solo spots until about 4pm.

People taking part are urged to raise sponsorship, donations will be collected on the day or visit justgiving.com/macmusicalmile.

Search Macmillan Musical Mile on Facebook or follow @Macmusicalmile on Twitter for more information.