• 7/8/2004
  • Irlam, UK
  • Rebecca Eames
  • Salford Adertiser

A Irlam teenager inspired to hold a charity walk by her mother’s battle against cancer was joined by a nine-year-old boy paying a tribute to his beloved late grandad, who lost his battle with the disease.

Nathan Lynch, whose grandad Arthur died of throat cancer, aged 74, last year, teamed up with more than 100 walkers who lined up alongside 15-year-old Kate Gowland for a three-mile hike around Irlam.

The walk, held last weekend, was all in aid of Cancer Research UK. Nathan, a Cadishead Primary School pupil, joined in the walk after reading the Advertiser’s report about Kate’s sponsored walk. She organised the trek because her mum, Kay, was diagnosed with mouth cancer. And Nathan was eager to sign up and took part in the walk proudly bearing a T-shirt with a picture of his granddad on it.

His mum, Angela Lynch, of Devon Road, was thrilled the walk had been organised and that her son had decided to take part. Angela said: “We were talking about doing something to raise funds for Cancer Research, but just didn’t really know how to go about it. So when we saw the walk advertised, it was just right, and Nathan really wanted to do it. It was a great idea as there are not that many things like this to do in Irlam and Cadishead.

“Nathan really enjoyed it. When he got back he said that he had done the walk not only for his granddad but for everyone with cancer. We were really proud of him and he managed to raise £80.”

Walk organiser Kate, a pupil of Irlam and Cadishead Community High School, was thrilled that dozens of her friends, family and neighbours had turned out for the sponsored hike.

Kate, of Queensway, Irlam, said: “It went really well. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and hopefully we can do it again next year. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has taken part or has sponsored someone. As soon as I know how much we have raised. I will let everyone know.”

Kate is now waiting to find out how much money her fundraising effort made.