A DEDICATED Saddleworth family and friends scaled new heights to raise funds for a courageous little girl.

Nolannie Burns, 11, from Diggle is receiving intensive treatment for a brain tumour and her family and friends battled 60 mph winds to complete a gruelling fundraising walk to the top of Mount Snowdon.

Nolannie's aunt, Angie Adamson, said: “I really struggled with but everyone else did it really well, Alan Burns father of Nolannie was like a mountain goat practically running up the mountain.

“We had a great day and when we got to the top we pulled out a banner for Elois and Alan with a picture of Nolannie on it, which made them really emotional.

“The views from up Snowdon was just incredible - it was such an achievement getting to the top despite the wind. It was so overwhelming for everyone who participated and emotional from start to finish.

“Nolannie is our little champion who has been so brave and she was so happy we made it.

“So far we've raised more £2800 for the brain tumour charity.

“Nolannie has just started at Saddleworth School but sadly, due to treatment, she has only been able to join her Year 7 classmates for a day or two since September.

“Hopefully finishing her chemo at the end of this month, she will rejoin her school friends and although check ups and scans will continué, a little bit of normality will return to her and the family.

“We’re so thankful for the generous donations that we have recieved from everyone.“ The participants in the effort were Alan Burns, her (father) Elois Adamson (mother), Elizabeth Adamson, Rick Bolton, Daniel Ferris, Will Adamson, Nicola Adamson, who couldn’t walk as she's pregnant but did all the organisation and the banner, Angie and Tony Adamson.

“I’m so unbelievably proud of my team,” said Elois. "This past year has been a massive emotional rollercoaster for us all but to reach the peak and celebrate our girl who is kicking cancers arse is what it’s all about!”

Nicola Adamson, another aunt, said: “Unfortunately, I could not complete the challenge as I’m pregnant and it was just proving too hard so sadly last minute decision I decided the most sensible thing would be to not do the climb But 2021 will be the year I climb it for my little niece “We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has already donated. You lovely, kind hearted, generous people These charities wouldn’t be here saving lives if it wasn’t for people like you And I’d like to give a final call to those who haven’t yet sponsored now’s your chance. We have so far exceeded my original target of £1000 and raised £2,800 overall.

“We are blown away and feel so overwhelmed by your support and generosity. Also a huge thank you to my amazing best friend Emma Lees for kindly pointing all her sponsors our way for the Three Peak Challenge challenge she completed a couple of weeks back. Those donations have had a huge impact on our total.”

And Angie added: “Finally, and most importantly our niece, is doing great and has responded incredibly well to chemo (despite it making her really poorly. but after her treatment being prolonged slightly she’s nearly there. And that bellis finally in sight.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your support.”