Emmaus set ultimate challenge

Community members from homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley are teaming up to take part in a fundraising challenge for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT).

Former homeless people supported by the charity (known as companions) and staff members from Emmaus Mossley have set themselves a challenge of completing a 15k cycle ride and 10k run to raise funds for OMRT.

Kris Wookey, companion at Emmaus Mossley, said: “For me the cycling was easy because I’ve done that distance before but the bigger challenge is definitely the 10k run.

"I was nervous with the running to start off with but my confidence and endurance has grown thanks to the training from Mossley AFC Running Club.

“My reason for taking part is because I think it’s important to support Oldham Mountain Rescue Team as they’re all volunteers doing fantastic work to keep everyone safe in times of need.

"If I can do it, it shows that anyone can do it.”

A team of eight completed the 15k cycle ride around Saddleworth on June 17 and a group of Emmaus runners are currently preparing for the Mossley 10k on Sunday, July 15.

The people taking part in the run are receiving weekly training from members of Mossley AFC Running Club.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, said: “I am very proud of all the people taking part in these two fundraising events for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

"They’re showing great determination and dedication to achieve their personal goals and a fundraising target of £1,000.

“I would like to give sincere thanks to Nicola and Steve at Mossley AFC Running Club for their ongoing generous support.

"Not only have they funded running gear for our team, they are also volunteering each week to offer personal training to our companions and staff.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 companions by providing them with a home and work in a community setting.

The concept of solidarity, getting involved in volunteering and helping groups in need, is a central ethos of Emmaus and a motivation for the companions completing the fundraising challenge.

If you would like to learn more and make a donation visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/oldham-mrt-solidarity

Meanwhile, award-winning writer and performer, Cathy Crabb (pictured above), is launching a weekly writing group at Emmaus Mossley, open to all ages and abilities.

The Emmaus Writing Circle started on Saturday, taking place from 10:30am to 12pm, and will run for another seven weeks.

The group is aimed at anyone looking to improve their creative writing skills and will be led by Saddleworth-based Cathy.

Each Saturday session will cost £6 (half goes to Emmaus Mossley) and the price includes a writing journal for each attendee.

To find out more or support Emmaus Mossley head to www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley.

If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.