Local fundraising heroes conquer Saddleworth’s Three Peaks to raise money for breast cancer retreats

Twenty-four walkers took on the challenge of the fourth annual After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Saddleworth Three Peaks Walk, raising more than £10k to support residential retreats for women living with breast cancer.

This yearly event supports the ABCD retreats, which offer weekend getaways focused on physical activity and wellbeing.

Founded after a pilot nine years ago by Jo Taylor, who lives with metastatic breast cancer herself, the retreats are held monthly, totalling five over six months, and are offered at a hugely subsidised rate of £50 thanks to fund-raising and grants, to women with both primary and metastatic breast cancer.

Jo’s unwavering commitment to running the retreats and fundraising, despite her own diagnosis, has made a lasting impact on many women across the UK and beyond.

Due to a recent episode of ill health, Jo was advised to avoid strenuous exercise for the May retreat so was sadly unable to complete the full walk.

However, she and volunteer Emma, along with Daisy the mini dachshund, were on hand at the start to wish the walkers well and distribute Nordic Walking poles - a popular feature introduced at the retreats.

Many of the determined women taking part had first tried Nordic Walking through Jo’s programmes.

The walkers included 24 people, 12 who had attended past retreats, joined by family members and friends.

Participants came from all over the UK - and even as far as Germany - to take part.

One family walked in memory of Mary Huckle, a former retreat attendee and previous participant in the Three Peaks challenge, who sadly died metastatic from breast cancer nearly two years ago.

Her loved ones continue to support the cause in her honour.

The walk was also supported by six volunteer helpers.

The walk began at 9am from the King William IV pub (affectionately known as the "King Bill") in Greenfield, where landlord Tony kindly opened up the facilities for the group.

The 9.5-mile route, including 2,181 feet of ascent, took the group across Pots and Pans, Alderman Hill, and the final climb to Chew Reservoir - a tough 1.5-mile uphill stretch reaching 1,640 feet above sea level.

The weather was cold and breezy on the tops, but spirits were high as the group tackled each peak with teamwork and determination.

Clear views across the Dovestone area lifted the mood further as they paused for lunch, where Jo and Emma once again met the walkers to offer encouragement.

After descending back to the Dovestone valley, the group was welcomed at the finish by Jo, Emma, and Daisy.

Jo delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting the importance of raising awareness for metastatic breast cancer.

In a poignant moment, she read the names of 22 women who had attended the retreats over the past nine years and have since died.

By 3:30pm, the group was back at the King Bill, celebrating a rewarding day filled with achievement, remembrance, and hope.

Throughout the walk, the shared message among participants was clear: ABCD’s retreats make a profound difference.

They not only inspire physical activity, but also foster vital connections between women facing the challenges of breast cancer.

Thanks to this year’s challenge, more than £10.000 has been raised so far (and this is still rising) to support future retreats - and the legacy of care and community continues to grow.

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