A staff nurse on the Aston Unit at Congleton War Memorial Hospital has described her fundraising efforts as a “centenary gift” for the hospital, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Christine Westhead, who has worked on the unit since 2016, completed the Delamere Trails Marathon last month, raising over £750 for East Cheshire NHS Charity.
The 62-year-old completed the mammoth challenge in a brilliant time of 5hrs 38m 57s, with the race taking runners deep into the forest, around the Blakemere Moss, along the Sandstone Trail, and up Old Pale Hill for panoramic views of the Cheshire countryside.
She said: “Since it’s the hospital’s centenary year, I wanted to run and raise money for the Aston Unit as my gift to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
“In terms of the run it was a case of putting one foot in front of the other and just get to the finish line. Although I don’t run with a club and just run on my own, I trained really hard for it.
“It was an inspiration being on the start line with so many other people running for other charities, everyone has a story and a cause they are running for.
“My family have been very supportive, and they are all very proud and know how important the cause it was as where would we be without our NHS!”
Lily Preston, Fundraising and Events Manager at East Cheshire NHS Charity added: “Christine’s dedication and hard work is truly inspiring. The monies she has raised will go a long way in supporting the staff and patients on the Aston Unit, providing much-needed resources and improving patient care.
“We are incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful for her support.”
To get involved in fundraising for East Cheshire NHS Charity, as an individual, group or workplace, or to nominate it as a charity of the year partner, get in touch with the fundraising team by emailing ecn-tr.ecnhscharity@nhs.net or visit https://eastcheshirenhscharity.org/