An intrepid duo from Mossley are climbing Mount Snowdon in the dark to raise funds for The Christie.

Olivia Telford and her stepdad Dan Young will be climbing the Welsh mountain throughout the night on August 14 to raise much-needed funds.

Olivia, 22, is currently studying for a BSc in Sport Science at University of Huddersfield.

She said The Christie is close to her heart as her dad Mark, 58, was a patient there after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.

She said: “My dad went through treatment and radiotherapy and rang the bell at Oldham Christies when he had finished and was given the all clear. 

“Regular blood tests were given to monitor him. However, last May his routine blood test showed abnormalities. 

“Regardless of Covid, The Christie had him in straight away and we found out that the prostate cancer had spread to a few bones. 

“They were absolutely amazing and despite the ongoing pandemic he had face-to-face appointments and treatment. They say as long as it stays as it is and where it is with treatment, he is fine."

Olivia continued: “I just think with everything that was going on, the way the doctors and nurses work to support the patients is absolutely amazing. They really do go above and beyond. 

“My dad is on a trial treatment The Christie is funding. It was only just approved for use in the UK and I think that trial has a massive impact on that.

“I think we’re lucky to have a hospital and charity like them in the North West. I couldn’t imagine him being treated anywhere else and I’m so thankful for them. 

“It was time for me to try and give back for all the great work that they do for people.”

Olivia, who lives on Audley Street in Mossley, said her stepdad Dan, 38, decided to do the night-time walk with her as his family has also been affected by cancer.

She added: “My stepdad is participating with me as his family have a history of cancer. 

“He lost his sister nine years ago, and his auntie two months ago, so is completing the hike in memory to them. His mum is also having treatment. 

“In his words ‘cancer is so close to my heart in more ways than one and I will do anything I can do to help. I cannot speak highly enough of the work that The Christie do.’”

You can donate funds at Raja’s in Mossley where Olivia works or visit her Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/olivia-telford.

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