Staff at Stockport’s Life Leisure health and wellbeing hubs took a sponsored walk to Old Trafford which raised thousands for NHS services in honour of a colleague. 

Mike Tongue, a football manager at Life Leisure in Stockport, has been receiving treatment for the rare autoimmune condition ANCA Vasculitis.

His colleagues at Life Leisure took on a massive challenge to raise money for both Salford Royal Hospital and the Devonshire Centre for Neurorehabilitation.

The Devonshire Centre cares for residents of Stockport and nearby who have chronic neurological illnesses, or who have suffered serious head injuries. Mike has praised the ‘incredible support’ his care there.

The group walked 13 miles from Life Leisure Houldsworth Village to Old Trafford Football Ground and back, raising £2,800 in Mike’s name.

Mike, who is a lifelong Manchester United fan, said he was grateful to all his colleagues, family and friends for giving up their Friday afternoon to take part in the fundraiser.

He said: “From Life Leisure to everyone who took part in the walk, I cannot thank them enough.”

Jess Brown, who is Duty Manager at Stockport Sports Village (SSV) and organised the event, said: “We are beyond proud of Mike’s attitude towards everyday life and his ongoing recovery. The team at SSV have been keeping in touch with countless Facetimes and visits, and report that Mike always has a smile on his face no matter what.

“It took us seven hours but we kept our spirits up with lots of chatting and laughing along the way.

“We are thrilled to have raised almost £3,000 for such a good cause.”

The fundraisers chose the route to Old Trafford inspired by Mike’s love for Manchester United.

Donations to the Devonshire Centre were organised through Stockport NHS Charity, which to improve the health and wellbeing of patients in Stepping Hill Hospital, the Devonshire Centre,  and community NHS services by delivering services above and beyond ordinary standards.

Kate Leadbeater, Charity Manager, said: “This extremely generous gift will enable us to enhance the rehabilitation and care of future patients at our Devonshire Centre.. I would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to Mike and team Life Leisure for undertaking this amazing fundraising challenge and their extremely kind donation.”

If you would like to donate to Stockport NHS Charity, visit their page at www.stockport.nhs.uk/charity