SADDLEWORTH Medical Practice staff more than doubled their £1,500 fundraising target as they tackled the Saddleworth Three Peaks challenge to make the bucket lists of two young children come true.
Lynn McCann, a nurse at the practice, was joined by five other nurses and reception staff for the 12-mile walk on Saturday, August 1 to raise the money for her grandchildren.
Emmeline, 8, and Abel, 2, were born deaf and have recently been diagnosed with Usher’s Syndrome type 2, a genetic disorder which means they will also lose their sight.
The team set a target of raising £1,500 to help the children’s bucket list wishes come true as well as raise money for the Cure Usher Syndrome charity.
That target was smashed thanks to kind donations from family, friends and the community, with the figure now at £3,280 and counting.
Abel is still deciding on his wish list items but Emmeline, who loves playing football, would like to see a volcano, see the snow in Norway, be a mascot for the Lionesses and meet Hannah Hampton, and to see the glowing sea.
Lynn explained: “Emmeline and Abel were both born deaf and have worn hearing aids since being weeks old – they cope amazingly.
“But in December 2025 my daughter Bethany and her husband received results from genetic testing and they were diagnosed with Ushers Syndrome type 2.
“It is a rare genetic condition that means they will eventually lose their sight. We do not know when as it is different for every individual but it usually starts in adolescence with night blindness and gradually deteriorates.”
Lynn continued: “The walk went great. The weather was perfect and it was lovely to be able to talk and spend time with people that you don’t always get chance to.
“We started at Wharmton, then Alphin, then Pots And Pans and then had a meal at The Cross Keys where my grandchildren met us.
“We managed to raise £3,280, which was far beyond our expectations, and we are so very grateful.”
A charity haircut day and cake sale fundraiser have also contributed monies, and the team plans to continue raising money in future.
You can read more or donate on the group’s Just Giving page.
You must be logged in to post a comment.