A CHEF at Tameside Hospital is swapping meals for miles by taking on a 24-hour running challenge.
Chris Walkden, who is assistant head chef, is embarking upon a test of endurance by running a mile, every hour on the hour, in aid of the Ashton-based hospital’s Children’s Unit.
Each loop will start and finish at CrossFit Fuel in Delph, where Chris regularly trains.
If his full-day effort was not enough, he will be pounding the streets of Manchester city centre on Sunday, May 26, for the Great Manchester Run.
As a father with young children, Chris was inspired to help after his family were cared for by the department.
The money raised will go towards toys and activities for children while they are spending time in hospital.
Chris said: “The department has always gone above and beyond with the care they provided, and my family have had similar experiences too. The work they do to support the local community is fantastic and I just want to celebrate that.”
Emily Burgin, charity manager at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s lovely that Chris is putting himself to the test and taking on this fundraising for the Children’s Unit.
“The unit will really appreciate his efforts and will ensure the funds are used to best benefit our youngest patients. Good luck Chris!”
People can donate to Chris’s fundraising efforts via his JustGiving page here.