Two sisters are opening Peel Tower to the public in memory of their brother and to raise money for their niece.

Barbara Shelton and Vivien Lee, from Ramsbottom are hosting their fifth annual fundraiser at the historic site between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, June 25. 

The event will give people the chance to climb the tower and look inside the landmark building, which was opened in 1852 in honour of former Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel.

A pop-up cafe will also be set up with money from the fundraiser going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

Barbara said: “We fundraise for the Motor Neurone Disease Association after losing our brother and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust because my niece sadly suffers with that.

“My sister and I lost our brother Colin to motor neurone disease in 2017 when he was in his late 50s.

“We began fundraising by opening Peel Tower the year after that and it has now become an annual event, apart from one year in lockdown.”

Bury Times: A picture of a canal day for Colin’s birthday, which includes Vivien Lee, Barbara Shelton, Colin Lee, Christine Lee (Colin’s wife), David Shelton (Barbara’s husband) and David Shelton (Barbara’s son)A picture of a canal day for Colin’s birthday, which includes Vivien Lee, Barbara Shelton, Colin Lee, Christine Lee (Colin’s wife), David Shelton (Barbara’s husband) and David Shelton (Barbara’s son) (Image: Barbara Shelton)

Bury Times: A group photo at Pilgrims Cross, near Peel Tower, on the anniversary of Colin’s death, with Barbara Shelton, Vivien Lee, and friends Phil and Stella presentA group photo at Pilgrims Cross, near Peel Tower, on the anniversary of Colin’s death, with Barbara Shelton, Vivien Lee, and friends Phil and Stella present (Image: Barbara Shelton)

The sisters will be offering homemade cake, jams, preserves and chutneys alongside different drink options with all the profits going to both charities.

The East Lancashire Long Distance Walkers Association, which Barbara and Vivien are members of, will be calling at the tower for a break on a 20 mile walk on the day and will also be helping out with staffing the event.

Barbara added: “It means a great deal to me and my sister because you’ve seen it first hand how it affects individuals and how tragic both these conditions can be.

“Motor neurone disease is typically terminal within two to three years, which was proven to be the case with my brother and multiple sclerosis is affects a lot of young lives with people who often get this in their 20s.

“A lot of this is motivated by wanting to contribute funds towards research into these diseases, we want to be able to find ways to alleviate it and ideally cure both these conditions in the long run.”

Bury Times: A group photo by the Lancaster Canal, including Christine Lee, Colin Lee, David Shelton and Barbara SheltonA group photo by the Lancaster Canal, including Christine Lee, Colin Lee, David Shelton and Barbara Shelton (Image: Barbara Shelton)

The public will have the opportunity to climb the famous tower, at an admission charge from the council of £2 for adults, £1 for under 16s and concessions, free for under 3s, or a family ticket at £4.