'Chewers' choose a zany way to raise funds for mountain heroes

A zany bunch of fundraisers are using a unique way of helping their heroes, the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

Thirty-two members of CMUSHO (Chew Me Up Spit Me Out) spent a day carrying a single marble each up to the top of Chew Reservoir, 1,640 ft above Greenfield.

They placed the marble in an individually numbered box, ran back down, and collected another marble.

They repeated the tough but delicate operation until midday when the boxes were closed and carried back down. 

Then, after a break for refreshments, the treasured marbles were placed into jars to take home as trophies (see below).

Said Victoria Carter: “Each year the group raise funds for a different charity, nominated by a group member.

"This year is Oldham Mountain Rescue Team's turn.

"There are just shy of 100 of us in the group of which between 25 and 40 turn out.

"This year saw 32 of us ‘chewing.’

“The youngest ‘chewer’ this year was 12 and did two laps.

"We had a 15 year old who did an amazing nine laps.

"The most anyone did this year was 11, which is equal to the record.

"The best women did nine.

"Cumulatively we did 200 laps, which is 660 miles.”

So far the group has raised over £300 for Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

Their JustGiving page is still open if you would like to donate and help them resch their target of £500.

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