Runner's endurance feat supports carers
Reporter: Lucy Kenderdine
Date published: 06 July 2017
RUNNER . . . Brenda Roberts during one of her charity runs on the Saddleworth Discover Walks
AT 71, Brenda Roberts is showing no signs of slowing down and even completed a 143-mile running challenge to support young carers.
Brenda, from Lydgate, took on the challenge of running the Saddleworth Discovery Walks to raise money for CANW's (Child Action Northwest) young carers scheme, raising £575.
For Brenda, a member of Saddleworth Running Club, the challenge was a personal one after she acted as a carer for her two daughters as they battled serious illness.
She said: "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.
"So when our running club chose CANW's young carers scheme as its charity of the year 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 walks in two months, often running alone across the moors in rain, mist and mud.
The money raised will go towards a three-day residential trip for 15 young carers.
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 time away from their caring responsibilities.
"The support we get from fundraising is crucial as it helps us to offer young carers 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."
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