Impressive £37,000 raised in reservoir ramble for Springhill Hospice

The local community has once again shown its support for Springhill Hospice, with an impressive £37,000 raised during the Three Reservoir Ramble, held on Saturday 21 September.

Participants took on a scenic 7.5-mile (12km) route through Rochdale’s picturesque reservoirs, making it a day to remember.

The walk began at The Oxford on Whitworth Road and took participants around Hamer Pasture, Brown House Wham, and Watergrove Reservoirs. This newly introduced event replaces the popular "Walk to Remember" and offered a fully marshalled 11.5km route, allowing walkers of all abilities to take in the beautiful local views.

Vicki Barnett, corporate and partnerships fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, expressed her gratitude, saying: "We would like to say a huge thank you to Rochdale Training for sponsoring our Three Reservoir Ramble. Without their generosity and continued support, we wouldn’t be able to put on such a fabulous community event.”

Rochdale Training was a key supporter of the event, contributing £1,000 towards the cause. Rachel Yates, operations manager at Rochdale Training, highlighted the organisation’s enthusiasm, stating: "It’s always a great pleasure to support the team at Springhill Hospice. Our apprentices and employees are always keen to be involved. We look forward to the next challenge.”

Among the walkers was Caitlyn, a Rochdale Training employee, who was thrilled to have taken part. She said: “It was perfect weather. I’d happily do it again for such an amazing charity.”

Caitlyn raised £210 through sponsorship for her participation, adding: “Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.”

At the end of the route, participants returned to The Oxford, where they were greeted with certificates and well-earned refreshments. True to the spirit of the event, it was “a ramble, not a race,” encouraging people to go at their own pace and enjoy the experience.

Community engagement officer for Springhill, Jo Ali said: “Last year was our first ramble and people really did love it, so we were hoping to have a good turn out again but we were blown away by the numbers this year.

"Seeing 560 Springhill shirts all walking together and hearing 560 voices all laughing, chatting and reminiscing about the loved ones they were walking in memory of was truly humbling.

"With over £37,000 raised and money still coming in, this has been the most successful event of its kind for us and that’s all thanks to our amazing supporters.”

Tom McNeeney from the Oxford pub said: “What everyone did as a community for the Hospice with the Ramble is incredible & we are honoured to have played our small part in such a truly unbelievable day.

"We’ve all shown the world what this town really is & where its heart belongs, and that we are formidable in our compassion and staggering in our generosity. This is a community of kindness and of love.

"The money raised on the day will fund just short of five days of Springhill Hospice providing free palliative care to those in our community in need, and whilst that is invaluable, the spirit and good will on the day from everyone involved is priceless."

Springhill Hospice’s Three Reservoir Ramble proved to be a huge success, not only raising vital funds for the charity but also bringing the community together for a fun and rewarding day out.