The route takes walkers through some of the most spectacular countryside of Rochdale and the South Pennines, passing through river valleys, peaceful woodlands and outlying towns and villages filled with grand architecture revealing a proud industrial past.
Day one
Starting at Owd Betts the group walked to Heywood, via Ashworth Valley; from Heywood and around the Middleton Loop; on to Hollingworth Lake via Newhey and Ogden; and from Hollingworth Lake to The Moorcock to complete the first day and around two thirds of the distance.
On the evening of day one there was a gathering at The Moorcock with friends from Springhill Hospice and For Generations to Come, to help raise funds, hear stories from other recent fundraisers, and enjoy food and a welcome drink.
Day two
Day two started at The Moorcock and over the hills to Watergrove; from Watergrove to Healey Dell; onto to Greenbooth via Prickshaw, before the final leg from Greenbooth over Knowl Hill and back to Owd Betts.
Sense of achievement
After completing the challenge, Dave Brereton, Managing Director of MysonPages, who organised the walk, said: “What started as a way to raise funds for Springhill Hospice ended up being so much more.
“Two days walking round the edge of the borough along a path that came in to being in 1999.
“Two days of being present in every step, being joined by friends and colleagues along the way.
“Two days of conversations that would never happen in the digital world, and two days that we will never forget.
“The sense of achievement is so real, and it would be worth just doing it to say you have done it, but to raise well over £10k for Springhill along the way is simply amazing. Thanks to all who have made that happen.
“Someone once said to me that community is at the heart of everything I do, and I sheepishly replied that I don’t know any other way. It’s something I got from my mum and dad who freely gave their time to organise things for others.
“If you’d like to add to the tally, you can do so at:”
www.justgiving.com/page/mysonrochdaleway
Fundraising for Springhill Hospice
The walkers raised over £10,000 for Springhill Hospice and Vicki Barnett, Senior Corporate Fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, thanked the MysonPages team, she said: “We are incredibly grateful to the team at MysonPages for taking on yet another inspiring fundraising challenge in support of Springhill Hospice. Completing the Rochdale Way is no small feat, and their determination and commitment to making a difference has been truly remarkable.
“The team have raised an incredible amount of money through their challenge, and every pound will help us continue providing specialist care and support to local people with life-limiting illnesses and their families when they need it most.
“It was wonderful to welcome the team to The Moorcock at the halfway point and to see so many members of the local community come together to cheer them on.
“Congratulations to everyone involved on this fantastic achievement, and thank you for your continued support of Springhill Hospice.”
Springhill has an annual fundraising target of £2.5 million, and every pound raised is one more pound funding services.
To find out more visit the Springhill Hospice website at: www.springhill.org.uk
