Page 13 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

Rochdale “hero” completes gruelling 232-

Altus Education Partnership’s mission is to
advance education across the Borough of mile ultra-marathon for Jolly Josh charity
Rochdale, enabling children and young people
to live happy, fulfilling lives and make a positive
contribution to their community.
BRINGING EDUC AT ION T OGETHE R We have a unique and pioneering offer for A brave Rochdale resident has conquered
Rochdale Schools via Childrens University and the gruelling 2024 Race Across Scotland, a
REACH. 220-mile coast-to-coast ultra-marathon, to
raise funds for local charity Jolly Josh.
Children’s University (CU) – a fun programme
ROCHDALE
for Primary aged children where they can Finn Newall, who undertook the incredible
record their involvement in extra-curricular
activities, building up hours in their ‘Passport’ and challenge, pushed through the Scottish
graduating at the end of the year. landscape for 72 hours and 19 minutes,
covering 232 miles in total with
REACH - a centralised online hub bringing
together a local enrichment offer for secondary checkpoints.
aged young people (11+), showcasing activities,
programmes and clubs available. His journey saw him burning nearly 29,000
calories, taking over 443,000 steps, and
Are you a Provider who wants to get involved with surviving on just 4.5 hours of sleep.
CU and/or REACH, showcasing your offer?
Are you a parent/carer who wants to know more
about how your child/ren can be involved? At the time of writing Finn had raised over
If the answer is yes , contact us at: £4,000 for Jolly Josh.
CU – RochdaleCU@altusep.com
REACH – contactus@rochdalereach.co.uk Liz, a representative from Jolly Josh,
expressed her admiration for Finn’s
extraordinary achievement, saying: “We
were overwhelmed before the race when
Rochdale Pioneers Museum – celebrating Finn approached us to tell us of his
180 years of co-op in 2024 unbelievable challenge.” The funds raised by Finn’s heroic effort will
play a crucial role in sustaining the services
Throughout the event, Liz and the Jolly Josh Jolly Josh provides, which are offered free
The Rochdale Pioneer Museum on Toad Lane is housed in the first team followed Finn’s progress via a live of charge to families in need. The charity
successful consumer co-op shop opened in 1844, 180 years ago tracking system, marvelling at the physical relies on fundraising efforts like Finn’s to
this year! and mental endurance required. “We sent continue its vital work in the community.
him personalised videos from our families
We tell the story of the co-op movement through our displays, to share our support along his journey,” she As Finn now takes time to rest, recover, and
exhibitions, films and events. added, proudly dubbing him their “Jolly Josh reflect on his achievement, the impact of his

superhero.” journey is already resonating throughout
Visit us to find out more about the way co-ops formed and how
they became part of the social and economic life of Britain. Rochdale.
Jolly Josh provides essential support to
families with children who have complex His dedication to training and
It’s free to visit the museum and we are open Wednesday to Friday medical needs, offering services such as preparation for the race, which included
and alternate Saturdays from 10.30am to 4.00pm. hydrotherapy and youth group sessions at several ultra-endurance events, has not only
their fully adapted centre on Queensway in raised much-needed funds but also shone a
You can also book a guided tour or hire our loft space. We also offer Rochdale. light on the challenges faced by families
school visits and workshops. Email: museum@heritagetrust.coop or caring for children with complex needs.
visit: www.co-operativeheritagetrust.coop
Since its opening in April 2022, the centre
has become a lifeline for local families, For more information about Jolly Josh and
We also have archives held at Holyoake House in Manchester which
you can view by appointment. Email: archive@heritagetrust.coop offering a safe and inclusive environment the services it offers, visit the website
where children and their carers can connect www.jollyjosh.co.uk
and support one another.
For more information, please visit: www.co-operativeheritage.coop

REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024 12 13 REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024