IN PICTURES: Hundreds pay tribute during walk for Rudheath teenager Lauren Lelonek

The walk around Rudheath attracted 500 people, from babies to grandparents, in an event which was aimed at bringing the community together to show its respects to Lauren’s family.

The event was called Walking Together for Lauren, and was organised by family friend Katy Sneyd, who was overwhelmed by the number of people who took part.

The walk was preceded by a minute’s silence, and members of Lauren’s family came to the end of their road to watch the walkers pass.

“There were a number of moments which were very emotional, when I had a bit of a wobble,” said Katy, who is chairman of the Friends of Rudheath Primary Academy.

“They were the minute’s silence and seeing Lauren’s family as we walked past – everyone had a tear in their eye.

“The minute’s silence was very emotional because that was the time to reflect and to think about Lauren.

“I led the walk, and didn’t realise how big it was until I had finished and watched everyone coming back.

“There were a lot of Lauren’s friends from UCAN on the walk, as well as parents and pupils from Rudheath Primary Academy, and everyone was very respectful.

“The aim of the walk was to show Lauren’s family that they are not on their own and that the community is united.

“What has happened has had a major impact on the community, and people came out of their houses to donate money.

“The walk brought the community together and showed our support for Lauren’s family – as a community we are stronger together.

“I have organised lots of events at school, but nothing on this scale or of this importance, and I was amazed at the number of people who took part.

“There were a lot of people from Rudheath, but the walk had also reached out to the wider Northwich community.

“What has happened could happen to anyone’s family, and I decided to organise the walk because I felt I had to do something.

“I have spoken to Lauren’s family since the walk, and they were overwhelmed by the number of people who were there for them.

“I feel as a community that things need to change, and we need to improve the youth services within Rudheath.”

The four-mile walk started and finished at The Venue car park, and Katy thanked businesses and residents for their support.

Lidl and Tesco in Northwich, the Co-op in Rudheath and Booths in Knutsford donated a total of 400 bottles of water, and Morrisons donated 50 high visibility jackets for the marshals.

Michael Lanham was thanked for leafletting the town to publicise the event, and Cheshire Police were thanked for helping to ensure that the walkers crossed roads safely.

Sew Easy donated material for blue ribbons given out to everyone, residents donated biscuits, and Brio Leisure at Rudheath was thanked for allowing walkers to use its toilets and providing water for dogs taking part.

“I am so proud of the people of Rudheath and Northwich,” said Katy.

“By walking together as one community we raised a fantastic £2,462. This figure will increase as sponsor money comes in this week.

“The money will go directly to Lauren’s parents so they can decide what they would like to do with it.

“Thank you to all of you who walked with me and all the people who came out of their houses or stopped their cars. Together we are stronger. This tragedy must never happen again.”

Lauren attended Rudheath Primary School before joining The University of Academy Northwich (UCAN).

One of the more than 100 comments on the Walking Together for Lauren Facebook page about the walk summed up the feeling of those who took part.

Alison Chesterson said: “Well done, Katy, for organising a fantastic event. Proud to have taken part in it and do something positive. It makes me proud to be from Northwich and a community that cares.

“May Lauren’s family take some comfort from it, knowing that the whole community is here to support and help them any way we can.”