A Huddersfield resident will be completing the final milestone of his 61-day walking challenge, to raise funds for Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Charity and Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Stephen Collins, who was born with cerebral palsy, has raised close to £2,500 by walking up and down his residential road every day for 61 days, starting on his 61st birthday (21st April) to show his support for the NHS workers who supported him when he broke his leg in two places last year.
The main aim for the final walk was for Stephen to walk to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, but due to lockdown restrictions and Stephen shielding, the 61st walk, on the 21st of June, took place on his street.
Stephen will now undertake the walk to the HRI on the Saturday 25th of July. He will start the mammoth 2.5-mile journey at 9am, with the expected arrival time at the hospital at 1:30 pm. Stephen will start at his home in Longwood, travelling uphill to the hospital from Rutland Road via Botham Hall Road, St Marks and Acre Street.
Stephen said on his Just Giving page: “Last year I had a really bad fall and broke my leg in two pieces. I was not sure how long it would take me to get up and walking again with me being disabled. In less than 24 hours of my operation, a frame had been put on my broken leg and I was walking - only four steps but I walked with the aid of a frame which I use anyway.
“I owe the NHS so much for getting me back on my feet which got me wondering what I could do to raise money for the NHS to say thank you and of course, my two very own helpers - my wife (who is a nurse) and my daughter (who works in the care sector).
“I can’t believe the final milestone of my challenge is nearly here and would like to thank everyone who has supported me and donated to the challenge over the last three months”.
Emma Kovaleski, Fundraising Manager at the Trust Charity said: “Huddersfield and Calderdale communities have been truly incredible, and have been supporting our NHS colleagues in so many different ways. However, Stephen is really going above and beyond to help say Thank You to our Trust and colleagues by completing this outstanding achievement.
“The whole team at CHFT will be cheering you on for Saturday, and will be welcoming you at the finishing line. We would love to see the residents of Huddersfield show their support for Stephen during his walk, whether that is through donations or taking part during part of the route”.
