GMP officers put their best foot forward to raise funds for local charity

Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles and Chief Inspector Danny Atherton are taking part in the 3 Peaks of Saddleworth Challenge to raise vital funds for Mahdlo - a youth zone in the heart of Oldham.

Sergeant Hartley-Pickles and Chief Inspector Atherton will join 16 other representatives from GMP's Oldham District to be part of a group of around 250 walkers that will take on local landmarks Pots and Pans, Indian's Head, and Wharmton Hill on Saturday 3 July 2021. The 15-mile organised walk is challenging route, but walkers are rewarded with some incredible views of Oldham and beyond.

The event was set up by Claire Crosfield of Mahdlo Youth Zone to raise funds to support their projects, which provide opportunities to young people across Oldham and the surrounding area.

The charity is a cause close to Damieon and Danny's hearts having spent several years working on St Mary's neighbourhood beat, where the Oldham charity is based.

Over the past five years, the pair have managed to raise a staggering £15,000 for the local charity through various fundraising events - from 24 hour 5-a-side football marathons, to 13 hour 7-a-side touch rugby matches.

The fundraising efforts don't stop at the 3 Peaks of Saddleworth Challenge. In September 2022, Damieon - also known as Barrowthon Man - following a series of long-distance runs in support of Oldham’s charities with his wheelbarrow, will be undertaking one of his biggest challenges to date. He will be part of a team that will embark on a gruelling 10-day adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal, to trek the Annapurna Trail.

During the trip, an experienced team leader and trusted team of Sherpas will guide Damieon and the rest of the group to their goal of Annapurna Base Camp at over 4000 metres.

Speaking to Sergeant Hartley-Pickles about his upcoming challenges, he said: “I’m looking forward to getting my walking boots on for the 3 Peaks of Saddleworth Challenge as I’ve not taken part in a fundraising walk for a some time.

"As for next year’s challenge - the Himalayan trek – it will definitely be one of the toughest I’ve faced. However, I’m sure all the aches and pains will be worth it, as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be in the heart of the Himalayas to view the world from above and take in the spectacular sights. Despite this being something that’s been on my bucket list for some time, my motive for each one of my challenges is to raise vital funds for local charities.

“Myself and a number of my colleagues have supported Mahdlo Youth Zone for the last four years now by helping to raise funds through taking part in their organised events.

“Myself and Chief Inspector Atherton became involved with Mahdlo Youth Zone as we both have a desire to help the young people of Oldham and to ensure that they can excel in a safe and supportive environment - something which Mahdlo Youth Zone provides. The charity is a vital asset to the community as the support it offers is invaluable. We are extremely proud to be a part of the work that takes place. I believe our work with them is vital in building a positive relationship between the police and the young people of Oldham.”

Find out more about the 3 Peaks of Saddleworth Charity Challenge here: 3 Peaks of Saddleworth 2021 – Mahdlo Youth Zone (mahdloyz.org).

You can make a donation via the Oldham Police Team's Virgin Money Giving page: Virgin Money Giving | 3 Peaks of Saddleworth Walk