Gracie's Wanderers well on their way

Six family members from Droyslden are currently embarking on a 124-mile hike, supporting four-year-old Gracie Mills through her battle with leukaemia and hoping to raise as much money as possible.

Having set out to raise £1,500, they have already stormed through the £2,000 mark with the funds being earmarked for Gracie's treatment. 

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

Dale Allock, Ryan Allock, Paul Ward, Jack Ward, Max Ward and Jordan Holmes, aged between 15-52, are set out to walk from Whitby to Droylsden this week. Their quest began on Wednesday and they plan to finish on Sunday (30 May) - clocking up more than 54 hours in their hiking boots. 

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 hard time, made even harder by the pandemic."

Eldest member of the Wanderers Paul, heard about Gracie's story in December of 2019. 

He added: "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. Jack said: "Gracie is the strongest girl I've met , if she can have a smile on her face everyday, 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 will be walking through Market Street in Droylsden and to The Bush on the last day of their journey (Sunday 30 May) and would love people to join them.

You can continue to donate to the cause at https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gracieswanderers

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