Illuminated convoy held to raise money in memory of Formby mum

The convoy will take place on October 17

Formby mum - Denise Appleton

An illuminated convoy of 60 vans will drive through Blackpool in memory of Formby mum, Denise Appleton who died unexpectedly of a heart attack earlier this year.

The train of vans will be covered in lits and have all their lights on as they make the drive to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Step-daughter Ann-Marie Appleton, 25, is helping to promote the occasion to raise as much as possible for charity in memory of Denise whose death was a “total shock” at 49-years-old.

Ann-Marie said: “The convoy was held last year as well for the British Heart Foundation and I wanted to keep it the same charity after what happened to Denise.

“If we can, we want to raise as much money as possible to help other families and stop them from going through what we went through.”

The drive will be held on October 17, starting at the Star Gate (the south side by the Pleasure Beach) with the drive expected to go through the lights at around 6.30pm.

This is the second time the convoy is being held, with Denise helping to organise and get donations in for last year's fundraiser.

Ann-Marie said: “I was really grateful because she helped us out so much last year.

“Denise was a really bubbly person and really outgoing, and just really lovely.

A charity drive involving up to 60 vans will head through Blackpool Illuminations in memory of a Formby mum who died of a heart attack this year. Money raised will go to the British Heart Foundation

“Everybody knew who she was – she was one of those people who was always chatty and always happy.

“She wasn't even ill, her death was a huge shock to everyone.”

As well as donation buckets on the night, Ann-Marie has set up a Just Giving page to raise money for the British Heart Foundation with a target set at £500.