There are many amazing landmarks within the borough boundary, and supporters of Bury Hospice will get the chance to visit six of them as part of the Bury Six Trek on Saturday, September 28. 

The scintillating sponsored trek, which starts and ends at Bury Hospice, covers two waterfalls, two towers, and two wells, incorporating 932 metres of climbing, over a period of approximately 11 hours in total.

The stunning Lumb Bridge Waterfall in Ashworth is one of the landmarks on the 21-mile route.

Trekkers will pass along the Rossendale Way to Waugh’s Well, which was originally built on the site of a spring in 1866 to honour Rochdale-born poet, Edwin Waugh (1817-1890).

Along the way, the walkers will also take in the breathtaking sites of Edenfield Waterfall, Robin Hood’s Well, and Peel and Grants Tower.

Sarah Machin, Director of Clinical Services at Bury Hospice, has made it one of her goals to complete one big fundraising challenge each year.

Sarah, a keen swimmer, successfully took part in the Great North Swim, last year. This year, however, the Bury Six Trek will most certainly take Sarah out of her comfort zone.

Beyond going for walks in the hills with her family, Sarah has never completed such a long-distance trek before.

“I’m normally around the mile marker,” said Sarah.

She added: “I'm looking forward to the feeling of the challenge and the camaraderie because there will be a few of us from the hospice team doing it. I'm really looking forward to experiencing the beauty of Bury.”

The funds raised from the trek will go towards supporting people like John, a 96-year-old veteran, for whom, the simple act of bathing had become a daunting challenge.

Having served in the Parachute Regiment, John had always valued his independence, but his declining health made even the most basic tasks difficult.

Struggling with stairs and developing pressure ulcers, John knew he needed help, so he turned to the Bury Hospice Outreach team which offers a bathing service to community patients.

This service provided a lifeline to John who would come into the hospice, accompanied by a friend, every two weeks, for a soothing soak in our hydrotherapy bath.

As someone who had struggled with bathing at home, the hospice visits provided a sense of dignity and well-being for John who enjoyed singing along with the staff and listening to his favourite tunes.

Prior to starting the therapeutic bathing service, John had begun to question his quality of life, but the uplifting experience at the hospice boosted his morale and self-esteem.

A simple bath become a source of comfort, rejuvenation, and renewed hope.

As Sarah trains to increase her strength and endurance for the upcoming trek, stories like John’s are a massive source of motivation.

With the support of family, friends, and colleagues, she has already raised 60% of her £500 fundraising target.

The collective funds amassed from all participating trekkers will change many local lives.

John’s story is a testament to the positive impact that hospice care has on individuals and their communities.

To sign up to take part in the Bury Six Trek (£25 registration fee), visit: buryhospice.org.uk/events/take-on-the-bury-six-trek

If you would like to find out more about the services offered at Bury Hospice, please visit buryhospice.org.uk