A 19-year-old from Glossop is preparing to take on a momentous challenge as she scales the hills of Edale in support of a special charity.

Dedicated, ambitious and fuelled with a mission, Jade Irving is aiming to raise as much money as possible by embarking on a 28km walk.

Her motivation lies within the heart of her family, as she looks to fundraise for The Christie.

In a turbulent year, Jade’s family suffered the loss of her grandma Margaret.

Shortly after, her grandfather, Dave was diagnosed with cancer of the voice box.

“My nana and grandad were together around 60 years, so when she died it was horrible. Then, for us to find out he had cancer was just awful, I felt so bad for him as he was already going through such a hard time.

“He had to have an operation to have his voice box removed before a session of radiotherapy, but the way The Christie looked after him was just unbelievable.

“He struggles with dyslexia, so he asked me to write out some thank you cards for the charity, and when he was telling me what he wanted to say in these cards, I just thought I have to do something more,” Jade said.

And so, the idea was born and soon she was organising routes to scale the beautiful area of Edale.

A student of molecular biology, Jade has fantastic knowledge when it comes to science, and knows just how important the work of The Christie’s is.

“My grandad’s surgery consisted of his voice box being removed and an artificial larynx being fitted.

“He now has a little button, and he can press it to speak. It’s amazing to see a new innovative biological technique that has changed his life.

“There was another gentleman who was scheduled to have the same surgery, and The Christie asked if my grandad could speak to him to reassure him.

“It’s life changing, but it’s not debilitating, and my grandad was more than happy to speak. The fact that The Christie even has the idea to do that was amazing.”

Studying genetics and gene mutations, Jade believes there are so many new technological advancements that can come from medicine.

She is committed to helping as many people as she can as she progresses through her career, and is starting with her fundraising.

“I’m sure most families will have someone, or know someone who is suffering from cancer, because unfortunately it’s so common.

“It’s not just something that older people go through either, and I think it’s so important to spread awareness of that,” she said.

A keen walker, Jade is enlisting the help of her boyfriend Harry Vernon and friends Elle Caesar, Ellie Sharples, Austin Valentine and Kye Simpson as she embarks on her fundraising journey.

The group are aiming to cover 28km (17.4 miles) via the Pennine Way towards Crowden on Sunday 26 February.

It will be a long day for the young group, who are aiming to set off early in the morning.

“I was thinking of ideas for a fundraiser, and I thought a big walk would work. I asked my friends if any of them wanted to join me and some of them looked at me as if I was crazy.

“My boyfriend was always doing it with me, and then some of my friends joined in too, so I set it up. We’re all active, but we know it’s going to be hard,” Jade said.

Proving her incredible levels of selflessness, Jade says she is capable of helping people, so it would make no sense not to do it.

“I think if you’re in a position to help, then you should because the world can be a horrible place. If you can add some light to the world, then it will make you feel a lot better.

“Helping other people in turn helps you. I’d love to do some more fundraising once I have completed this,” she said.

For now, she will focus her efforts on her mountainous walk and raising as much she can for The Christie.

You can donate to Jade's fundraiser here. 

🏃 Tour of Tameside 2023 🏃

We're proud to be delivering this year's four-day running festival, which takes place from 15 to 18 June. 

Find out more and book your place here. 

Want more local sport stories?

Head to https://www.questmedianetwork.co.uk/news/sport/ to see more of our coverage - from community and non-league football to local and county cricket, boxing, athletics, basketball, Esports and golf.