MORE than 240 people have taken on the Saddleworth Three Peaks challenge to secure thousands of pounds for a cause that helps young people.
The kind-hearted participants completed the trek on Saturday in aid of Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham.
A team from Oldham police were among those who took part along with workers from event sponsor James Scott Accountants and firms Catalyst Claims, Bedspace, North Ainley Solicitors, First Choice Homes.
Many residents gave up their own time too.
On Saturday, Saddleworth was awash with a sea of Three Peaks t-shirts, holding up traffic and snaking up the hillside as record numbers of walkers took part and raised more than £15,000.
The event, organised by Mahdlo, has been running since 2016.
The walk took on landmarks Indian’s Head, Pots and Pans and Wharmton Hill providing walkers with incredible views of Oldham and beyond.
Fundraising manager Claire Crossfield said: “We’d like to thank everyone who took part and got involved, it was an incredible day.
"The energy and enthusiasm from all the walkers was fantastic, even the rain couldn’t dampen spirits.
"We’re totally blown away with the response, the amount raised and the interest we’ve already had for next year’s event which will be taking place on July 2, 2022.
"We’d also like to thank JW Lees, The Royal George and the Cross Keys for their hospitality, Oldham Mountain Rescue who were on standby and local farmer Darren Hough who has let us cross his land at Wharmton over the years.”
Mahdlo CEO Lucy Lees added: “Despite the past 16 months being challenging, we have continued to strive to give Oldham’s young people the best possible start in life.
"Young people and their families have been able to depend on Mahdlo.
"We will continue to meet the needs of young people and reflect the diversity of the borough, in Mahdlo, in the community and online.
"As a charity we need to ensure long term financial stability. The money raised through events such as the Three Peaks will support us in our efforts, enabling us to reopen our doors, continue to support young people across the borough and restart essential projects such as our mentoring, employability and Duke of Edinburgh programmes.”
If you would like more information about next year’s event, other upcoming events at Mahdlo, organising your own event in aid of the charity or to make a regular donation to support Mahdlo’s work contact Claire Crossfield by emailing events@mahdloyz.org.
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