Staff at Stockport health and wellbeing hubs have raised almost £3,000 in honour of a colleague.
Mike Tongue, who is a much-loved 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 Salford Royal Hospital and the Devonshire Centre for Neurorehabilitation, where Mike has received incredible support during his care.
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.
To find out more about Life Leisure go www.lifeleisure.net.