3-year-old Summer takes on walking challenge for 'Nanna Marje'

Summer Bogan will begin her fundraising journey on her birthday

A 3-year-old from Oldham has embarked on a walking challenge to raise funds for the centre which treats her great 'nanna' for leukaemia.

Summer Bogan, from Shaw, will be walking 31 miles in 31 days to generate funds for the Oldham Cancer Support Centre in Failsworth.  The team at the centre have been treating her great 'nanna' Marjorie Sykes, 82, since 2018 after being diagnosed with leukaemia.

Summer's dad Ben - who will be walking alongside his daughter - says Summer has always been a very caring child.

"When I was working doing Covid cleaning in care homes, Summer would always ask me where I was going", he told the Chronicle. "I would say 'to help keep other people safe and get rid of the germs'.  Since then, she always asks when she can start helping others."

Along with mum Amelia, the Bogan's decided that Summer could help Oldham Cancer Support Centre by following the footsteps of Captain Sir Tom Moore, and raise money with a walking challenge.

'Nanna Marje' has been treated at the centre after her diagnosis two years ago. Ben says the staff at the centre, along with other support services, have been amazing: "They phone Marje regularly to check how she is, as well as providing free massages and reflexology to help ease any aches and pains that the leukaemia causes.

"Summer absolutely adores her 'Nanna Marje'. She loves visiting her, playing with all her lovely toys and then helping herself in the 'treat drawer'."

Summer will be walking to and from school, and up on Crompton Moor through the quarry, with mum, dad and younger sister Arabella.  The target is to walk 31 miles over 31 days, beginning on March 1, to celebrate Summer's 4th birthday on March 8.

'Nanna Marje' says she's immensely proud:  "It doesn't surprise me that Summer is doing this for Oldham Cancer Support.  She's a very caring little girl and will put her heart and soul into it."

Dad, Ben agrees: "Both myself and mum feel very proud of Summer.  Ever since being young, she's always been very kind and caring and has wanted to do things for others.  It's really nice for her to have a goal to reach, and we'll be cheering her on all the way!"

Summer hopes to raise £400 for Oldham Cancer Care Centre.  You can donate, and get progress reports on Summer's Facebook page here.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.