'Gracie's Wanderers' helping young girl with leukaemia

A group of guys from Droylsden are supporting four-year-old Gracie Mills through her battle with leukaemia.

The group have named themselves 'Gracie's Wanderers' and are hiking 124 miles to raise money for Gracie and her family, whilst aiming to give the youngster a summer to remember.

In 2020, Gracie and her family had to self-isolate at home, shielding from Covid-19. The Wanderers recognised just how tough this was on them and felt inspired to make 2021 the best year yet for Gracie.

Dale Allcock, Ryan Allcock, Paul Ward, Jack Ward, Max Ward and Jordan Holmes, aged between 15-52, are going to walk from Whitby to Droylsden. They’ll begin their journey on 26 May and finish on 30 May, clocking over 54 hours in their hiking boots.

Gracie's Wanderers 

Dale said: “With Covid hitting the UK last year, it has given us all time to reflect on how much family and friends matter. We want to do this for a family that has had such a tough time, made even harder by the pandemic.”

The eldest member of the Wanderers, Paul, heard about Gracie in December 2019.

He said: “I was asked to do a Santa video for her. Usually I would have met her at school, but she was unable to attend due to her illness. Once I saw her reaction to the video, it really made my day and that’s when I decided I wanted to walk from Whitby to Manchester.”

Ryan added: “Hearing Gracie’s story and the fundraising idea, I was 100 per cent in. I’ve met Gracie and seen what an incredible little girl she is, knowing what a difference the funds will make have helped me prepare massively for this challenge and the thought of seeing her smile at the end makes it all worthwhile.”

Gracie has been battling leukaemia for two years and continues to show inspiring bravery.

Four-year-old Gracie Mills 

Jack said: “Gracie is the strongest girl I’ve met. If she can have a smile on her face every day, I can do this walk for her.”

Youngest member, Max, added: “My main motivation for doing this is the wonderful little girl herself, seeing her smile made me want to push myself and do this for her and her family.”

Gracie’s Wanderers are going to be walking through Market Street in Droylsden and to The Bush on the last day of their journey on 30 May. They would love if people walked down with them.

They have already surpassed their target of £1,500 but you can still donate and show your support at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gracieswanderers. 

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