In 2013, through my dealings with an online Stockport County fans' forum, I first became aware of Kidscan - a children's cancer charity based in Salford.
At the time, childhood cancer was something affecting my wife's family - so, along with a good friend of mine, Gareth Evans, we organised a sponsored walk from Edgeley Park to County's away match at Macclesfield Town. 18 walkers (and a dog) took part, and we raised more than £1,800 in the process.
The 'Hatters Hike 2013' was such a success, that we replicated it two years later, by walking to County's away match at Hyde FC - and then back again (in torrential rain). Despite fewer people taking part this time, the 'Hatters Hike to Hyde 2015' still managed to raise a further £1,500 for Kidscan.
Then, in June 2016, myself and Gareth embarked on an epic road trip, driving to all 22 football grounds in County's league, in just one weekend (over 1,000 miles). Having set an initial (optimistic) target of £1,500, we were delighted to raise more than £2,200 for Kidscan.
This time, I'm on my own, and having completed walking and driving challenges, this one is about running, something I'm not very good at.
In September 2017, I ran my first ever 10k race. At the time, I said I would never do another, but as I slowly regained the use of my aching limbs, I set myself a new challenge: to run TEN 10k races throughout 2018.
Here is my planned (updated as at 13th September 2018) list so far:
25th Feb - Oulton Park
25th Mar - Poynton
8th Apr - Whitchurch
6th May - Tatton
17th Jun - Knutsford
1st Jul - Alderley Edge
19th Aug - Birchwood
16th Sep - Sandbach
14th Oct - Tatton Take 2!*
10th Nov - Cheshire (Arley Hall)
25th Nov - Wilmslow
* Because I had to stop and walk for a bit at the original Tatton Park 10k in May, I'm re-doing it in October, so will be doing 11 races now!
I am again raising money for Kidscan, as they a comparatively small charity, and desperately need our support. I would urge everyone to take a look at their website, and then dig deep.
25% of children who are diagnosed with cancer won't see their 30th birthday. We can change that.
If you would like to join me at any of the above races, to either take part alongside me, or offer some kind of post-run rub-down (!), please e-mail me at greghall80@hotmail.com. Thank you everyone.
Greg Hall - September 2018
