Walk to raise funds for hospital ward in memory of Emma (From Gazette & Herald)
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Walk to raise funds for hospital ward in memory of Emma
5:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By Karen Darley
Adrian Gaddas, back row, left, with his work colleagues who are joining him on the Three Peaks challenge to raise money in memory of his step-daughter. Back row, Paul Margetts, centre, and Paul Thompson. Front row, Mark Rigg, left, and John Barrett
A Pickering man is aiming to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge this weekend to raise funds in memory of his step-daughter.
Adrian Gaddass, an operations officer for Scarborough Borough Council, has persuaded eight of his colleagues to join him on the walk in aid of Ward 34 at York Hospital, where Emma Young was treated for cystic fibrosis.
The former Miss York finalist lost her battle against the disease three years ago, aged 22.
Emma, who lived in Pickering, was in and out of hospital throughout her life because of the cystic fibrosis, and during the last 12 months, she was connected to an oxygen supply 24 hours a day.
She had been on the waiting list to have a double lung transplant, but organs had not become available.
Adrian said fundraising had continued for the ward since Emma’s death to upgrade facilities and buy pieces of equipment.
“I wanted to improve my fitness and do something positive and when one of my managers suggested the Three Peaks, I decided to take on the challenge,” he said.
“After talking to my colleagues, I managed to rope in a number of others and they said as they were going to do it, they also wanted to raise funds for Ward 34 as well.”
Adrian said he had been taking part in training sessions and was looking forward to the walk.
“The money we raise will go towards improving facilities for other children and young people who use the ward,” he added.
“Emma did so many things and loved a challenge so I know she would be proud of what I am doing.”
Sponsorship forms are available at The Sun Inn, Eastgate, Pickering, and Dales Florists in Pickering and Malton .
