Best foot forward

ON our way . . . MedEquip4Kids community fund-raiser Rachel Allen gets training for the Mega Hike with charity mascot, Pip

Sign-up for charity hike and help sick children

A MAJOR children’s charity is calling on intrepid Oldhamers to get in step for a trekking challenge to help raise money for the Royal Oldham Hospital.

“Mega Hike”, organised by the charity MedEquip4Kids, takes in a 50-mile circular route from Hollingworth Lake through the heart of the Pennines following part of the Pennine Way and Mary Towneley Loop.

The charity raises money to buy medical equipment and improve facilities in neo-natal units and children’s wards at hospitals across the North-West.

It is currently trying to raise £8,000 for the Royal Oldham Hospital’s Maternity Unit, providing phototherapy units to treat jaundice in new-born babies.

The organisation is now looking for teams of four to register for the Mega Hike, each raising a group total of £1,500 in sponsorship along with a £149 registration fee.

The route leaves Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough heading towards Blackstone Edge and Hebden Bridge before passing Widdop and Hurstwood reservoirs on the Worsthorne Moors near Burnley.

Walkers then follow the Pennine Bridleway through Rossendale Valley crossing Whitworth and Crook Moors before reaching the village of Summit and the final stretch of the challenge.

And to make it that little bit more challenging, the aim of Mega Hike is to complete the walk within 24 hours, leaving at sunrise on Saturday, June 27.

MedEquip4Kids community fund-raiser Rachel Allen said: “The Mega Hike is a fantastic and challenging team event for friends, clubs and social groups as well as corporate organisations looking to create some real team bonding.

For a registration pack or for more information, call 0161-798 1600 or visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk.