21 miles . . . Emma’s heroes do it for charity

Ready to go . . . Craig Johnson, front row centre, and the team. Picture: KEN BENNETT

A dedicated team of Saddleworth police officers and friends made a gruelling 21-mile trek in memory of a colleague who died of cancer.

Headed by organiser Sgt Craig Johnson, they completed their circuit around Hebden Bridge in just over nine hours.

And he revealed their efforts raised £2,500 —boosting their total raised for Christie’s cancer research to more than £6,000.

Anna Herman, known as Emma, joined GMP in 1989 as a civilian worker. She became a popular front desk worker at Uppermill Police Station until she died a couple of years ago, aged 47.

Sgt Johnson said: “I was joined by fellow officers, PCSOs and friends who all wanted to keep Emma’s memory alive.

“The walk was a tough call over some really rugged terrain but although everyone was tired the team all completed it in good style.

We are already looking for another challenge.”

Previously, the team covered 24 miles and climbed a total of 5,000-feet when they scaled Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough peaks, Yorkshire, in exactly 12 hours.

This year’s walk was supported by the Calder Valley mountain rescue team.

Some of the fund-raisers had tackled the Manchester-Blackpool bike ride after Emma was diagnosed with the illness.