Stepping out for a challenge

Reporter: Jacob Metcalf
Date published: 24 July 2017


KEEN walkers put on their hiking boots for an annual 40-mile trek over the weekend.

Organised by the Castleshaw Centre over Saturday and Sunday, the 11th Oldham Way Challenge gave walkers the chance to get some fresh air as they took in the borough's beautiful scenery.

The challenge started and ended at Daisy Nook Country Park, with the Castleshaw Centre as the end of day one and the start of day two.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shadab Qumer, kicked off the event, which was dedicated to Nick Price, a senior instructor at the Castleshaw Centre, who died of cancer last year.

Nick worked at the centre for Oldham Council for more than 20 years, working with about 60,000 young people and was involved with the challenge from the start.

As part of the challenge, walkers were asked to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The Castleshaw Centre said: "Congratulations to all our intrepid Oldham Way Challenge walkers.

"Thanks to all our adult participants, and thanks to Jonathan for volunteering to lead. Congratulations everybody."

They added: "Nick Price was involved in running the Oldham Way Challenge from the beginning 16 years ago.

"He died last autumn from pancreatic cancer and many regular visitors to the centre have asked if there is any focus for remembering Nick's contribution to the centre and to young people in Oldham. This year the challenge is dedicated to Nick's memory.

"The nature of pancreatic cancer means that once you have any symptoms it is far too late to treat effectively and we are inviting OWC participants to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK to help fund research and help other people with this disease."

Oldham Youth Council, which took part in the challenge, tweeted: "We are done! Well done to all taking part in the Oldham Way Challenge, especially the staff at Castleshaw Centre for making it happen."

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/castleshaw-centre.