Brooke O’Donovan organising fundraising walk for Josh McCormack

Josh McCormack

Brooke O’Donovan, 13, from Rochdale, and her friends, are holding a fundraising walk in memory of five-year old Josh McCormack.

Josh died last Friday (13 January) after a long battle with brain cancer and Brooke O’Donovan from Syke is one of many people to organise fundraising events in Josh’s memory.

Brooke and around ten of her friends are planning to walk from Syke to Hollingworth Lake. She said: “We want to raise money that can go towards Josh’s funeral or a memorial. My grandma is friends with Josh’s grandma so we knew Josh.”

The walk will take place on Saturday 21 January at 12.30pm from Gale Street off Whitworth Road, Syke to the Lake Lounge Tapas at Hollingworth Lake.

Brooke’s mum Alison says she’ll be on hand to help the girls on their four mile walk.

Alison said: “This walk was all Brooke’s idea. We know Josh’s family and we’ve spoke to his dad Kevin who is happy for us to go ahead. People are more than welcome to join us, but please make sure you’ve got parent’s consent if you need it.

“We know Josh was a massive Rochdale AFC fan, so we’re hoping to get some Dale shirts for the girls to wear on their walk.”

Brooke joins other fundraisers raising money in Josh’s memory. Around 50 people attended a candlelit vigil on Friday night (13 January) which raised £130, while an online appeal has already raised over £1,000 to pay for Josh’s funeral. Local nursery nurse Danielle Sheerin is also planning a skydive to raise funds for Josh’s family and the Derian House hospice where he was cared for.

To donate to Brooke’s walk, visit:

https://www.gofundme.com/phs30s