Medics at the Royal Bolton Hospital are gearing up for their first-ever Bolton Community Run 10k this weekend.

The staff will be running to raise thousands of pounds for Our Bolton NHS Charity with the proceeds going to patients, service-users and their families.

The inaugural event, organized by Bolton Wanderers in the Community, will see runners starting and finishing at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Sunday April 28, taking part in the run for fun, personal challenge or to raise funds for local charities.

Richard Middleshaw, Enhanced Practice Radiographer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust will be taking part, he said: “It’s my first ever actual running event, so I am honestly quite nervous. It is motivating to be able to raise money for Our Bolton NHS Charity; it’s a great cause and can always use support.”

Also preparing to take on the course is Susan Bannister, Principal Service Lead in Neurology, she said: “The 10k run is an opportunity for me to get involved in an event that brings the local community together in Bolton.

“Supporting Our Bolton NHS Charity is an extra motivator for me. As someone who is Bolton born and bred, it’s great to be able to give back to the wonderful staff and services that have cared for me and members of my family over the years.

“I’m not a runner but completing the run alongside colleagues and the support of family, friends and colleagues will hopefully push me through.”

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Organisers hope the run will provide an opportunity for increased community engagement and encourage communities to get more active and support local charities across the town.

Sarah Skinner, Charity Manager at Our Bolton NHS Charity, said: “Many people support Our Bolton NHS Charity because of the compassion and kindness show to them or their family by NHS staff.

“Whether at the point of a devastating diagnosis, during a hospital stay or throughout treatment and rehabilitation, we consistently hear that NHS staff become like family and provide vital support that get people through difficult times.

“It’s very humbling to work with colleagues who want to do even more for the patients and families they care for, outside of their day job.

“Good luck to everyone taking part in the Bolton Community Run 10k on Sunday and a special thank you to our runners and to Bolton Wanderers in the Community for organising this incredible event.”

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