Fund-raising twins keep lid on costumes

Twins Gavin and Gareth Russell, the brains behind an innovative charity fund- raising initiative at the Saddleworth Beer Walk, are keeping their plans for this year’s event strictly under wraps.

The twenty-eight-year-old brothers, from Grasscroft, will not reveal their themed costumes until the actual day of the spectacular event on June 6.

Last year the dynamic duo notched up a buzzing success when their 90-strong team claimed a top prize dressed as honey bees and raised more than £1,500 for cancer charities.

Previously, the enthusiastic squad have dressed as sheep, dominoes, the Olympic bid and members of the sci-fi TV show “Star Trek”.

The boys, sons of Gordon Russell a leading member of Oldham Metro Rotary Club and this year’s Saddleworth Summer Show organiser, both work in London.

They will not put the finishing touches to their mystery costumes until hours before the start of the walk. Mr Russell said: “My sons’ friends come from all over Britain to take part and they all have specific roles assembling the costumes.

“It’s a well co-ordinated operation. I am sworn to secrecy over this year’s actual costumes — but more than 60 will be taking part. ”

The brothers’ interest in the event began when their father was in Saddleworth Round Table, which, this year celebrate staging the 36th beer walk in the club’s history.

Gareth, an actuary, said: “In the 1990s, we started walking in fancy dress with our buckets collecting for local charities.

“Then we set up our own beer walk group based on the 3D Dynamos football team which played at Dobcross.”

During their university years, the brothers brought friends home to share the fun of the walk and the Whit weekend celebrations. Latterly, they joined forces with other friends and the group snowballed.

Gavin, a chartered accountant, said: “Our parents and other kind-hearted folk provide food and lodging for the weekend.

“It’s not unusual for us to put up more than 30 walkers in our house alone. They sleep in all sorts of places — including the bath!”

Overall, more than 1,500 walkers are expected to enter this years’ event on the anniversary of D-Day and, as a tribute to the historical date, the theme is The Crate Escape.

Members of Saddleworth Round Table’s beer walk committee believe they can top the club’s charity fund-raising total of £20,000 — with walkers raising an additional £50,000 for their own dedicated causes.




Six-hour trek will cover 11 miles



This years’ walk covers 11.2 miles and starts at 2pm from Churchill playing fields, Greenfield. It is expected to finish around 8pm at the same rendezvous.



The route takes in Boarshurst Band Club, Greenfield; King William IV, Greenfield; The Waggon, Uppermill; The Navigation, Dobcross; Dobcross Bowling Club; The Old Bell Inn and The White Lion in Delph; The Hanging Gate Diggle; The Church Inn, Uppermill and Uppermill Sports Club.

This year’s event committee is headed by beer walk chairman Richard Taylor and his deputy, Kevin Ridings. Mr Taylor said: “We never fail to be inspired by all the creative costumes entrants use to raise money.”

For more information and entry forms visit: www.beerwalk.co.uk