A Saddleworth mum who acted as a carer for her two daughters as they battled serious illness has shown her support for young carers in Rochdale by raising more than £600 for a children’s charity.
Brenda Roberts from Lydgate took on the challenge of running the Saddleworth Discovery Walks to raise money for CANW (Child Action Northwest)’s young carers scheme.
The 71-year-old, who’s a member of Saddleworth Running Club, says she wanted to take on the 143-mile challenge to help give young people supported by the charity a break from their caring responsibilities.
“I know that being a carer as an adult can be tough, so I can only imagine how difficult it is for children and young people,” said Brenda.
“So when our running club chose CANW’s young carers scheme as their charity of the year I felt very strongly that I wanted to help as much as I could.
“I’m a fell runner and wanted to improve my fitness, so raising money by running the Saddleworth Discovery Walks seemed like the perfect way to combine the two.”
Brenda completed the 20 miles walks in two months, often running alone across the moors in rain, mist and mud to complete her challenge.
Her efforts helped to raise £605 and counting for CANW, which will go towards a three-day residential trip for 15 young carers.
Commenting on Brenda’s achievement, Dave Burt, Targeted and Early Support Services Manager for CANW, who looks after the young carers group, said: “We want to give a huge thank you to Brenda.
“Without her and people like her CANW wouldn’t be able to give young carers precious time away from their caring responsibilities.
“The support we get from fundraising is crucial as it helps us to offer young carers things most children take for granted, like short holidays, trips and days out.
“Young carers can often become isolated or feel guilty for taking time away from the people they care for, and money raised by Brenda and people like her gives them the opportunity to be children again.”
You can still donate to support Brenda on her Just Giving page. To find out more about fundraising for CANW’s Young Carers Service, call CANW on 01254 244700.
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