Running mayor for Blackburn with Darwen takes on half marathon for Children's Hospital

Running Mayor for Blackburn with Darwen, Andrew Gardner, is on a mission to raise vital funds for the charity by taking part in challenging runs.

The Manchester Half Marathon took place on Sunday (October 9) and Andrew raised almost £1,600 for the charity.

The run, in support of Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, helps to ensure continued excellence in treatment, research, and care in the family of hospitals across Manchester and Trafford.

Andrew ran the Manchester Half Marathon dressed as the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity mascot, Humphrey (Image: Council)

The charity’s mission is to make a real difference to the people they treat by making sure that they continue to receive the very best treatment in the very best facilities.

This can include the purchase of cutting-edge equipment, funding pioneering medical research and creating a patient-friendly environment allowing patients, and their families, to feel welcome and at ease during their time in hospital.

The Blackburn dad ran three marathons last year to raise money for the same charity and is committed to bringing awareness and more funds to the cause.

In October 2019, Andrew and his wife discovered their eldest daughter Scarlett had a rare benign tumour on her pituitary gland called a Craniopharyngioma.

The tumour was the size of a golf ball and was removed through her nose in a nine-and-a-half-hour operation at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital on November 4 that year.

Her eyesight improved thanks to the talented surgeons.

A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: “We’re sending a big bear hug to our Running Mayor, Andrew Gardner!  

“Andy is on a mission to raise vital funds for Royal Manchester Children's Hospital Charity and undertook Burnley Parkrun dressed as their mascot, Humphrey.

“Well done Andy - we think you’re ace!”