Miles for Men moving into new era as it celebrates fifth birthday

A charity will celebrate five years of helping cancer sufferers - by branching out and helping even more people in 2017.
The first Miles for Men run.The first Miles for Men run.
The first Miles for Men run.

The caring Miles for Men cause is stepping up its drive to help families in Hartlepool who are facing problems such as disabilities or terminal illnesses.

And founder Michael Day said: “We are opening our doors to more people.”

Michael Day taking part in the Miles for Men eventMichael Day taking part in the Miles for Men event
Michael Day taking part in the Miles for Men event
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Miles for Men is five years old this year and Michael admitted: “I never thought it would be as big as this.”

But now, after amassing £192,000 since it started, the cause is extending its reach.

Michael, who set up the charity after losing his father, Michael senior, to throat cancer in 2007, added: “At first, it was something for my dad and I thought we would raise £5,000. I wanted to carry on his legacy.

“But we raised £40,000 that year and Cancer Research could not believe it when we handed out that amount.

Michael Day senior, who died from cancer in 2007.Michael Day senior, who died from cancer in 2007.
Michael Day senior, who died from cancer in 2007.
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“We have donated to cancer charities and the hospice, and to different occasions to help people.”

“But in 2017, it is onwards and upwards for Miles for Men as we will be supporting local families.”

The charity is already planning to team up with other local charities. It will also be giving its support to Alfie Smith.

Little Alfie Smith needs to raise £50,000 by June if he is to be able to undergo an operation in Leeds known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR).

Miles for Men 2016Miles for Men 2016
Miles for Men 2016
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The life-changing surgery will give Alfie, who has cerebral palsy, the chance to be able to walk pain-free and unaided for the first time in his life.

Alfie needs to raise £50,000 by June if he is to be able to undergo an operation in Leeds known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR).

The life-changing surgery will give Alfie, who has cerebral palsy, the chance to be able to walk pain-free and unaided for the first time in his life.

The charity will also act as more of a support group in the coming year.

Miles For Men at Hartlepool and District Hospice.
Hospice Julie Hildreth and Michael DayMiles For Men at Hartlepool and District Hospice.
Hospice Julie Hildreth and Michael Day
Miles For Men at Hartlepool and District Hospice. Hospice Julie Hildreth and Michael Day
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Michael added: “We are looking forward to 2017 and helping more children and families to create memories.

“And I want to thank the Miles for Men team which has been fantastic with all the voluntary work that they do.”

Miles for Men was formed in 2012 and has helped both males and females in their battle with cancer.

Its help has also included sending families, in which there is a poorly relative, on well-deserved holidays and towards paying for toys at Christmas for sick children.

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To find out more about the charity, visit www.milesformen.co.uk or the Miles for Men Facebook page.

Five years of highlights.

Michael Day taking part in the Miles for Men eventMichael Day taking part in the Miles for Men event
Michael Day taking part in the Miles for Men event

August 2012 - The first Miles for Men 5k run is held. It raises £40,000.

March 2013 - Charity founder Micharel Day wins the Hartlepool fundraiser of the year title at the Mail’s awards.

June 2013 - The charity wins the Innovation category at Cancer Research UK’s Flame of Hope awards.

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July 2013 - Richard Griffiths, who would later become a Miles for Men official, runs the whole of the second charity 5k run - just five months after winning his battle with cancer.

August 2013 - Almost 100 scooter riders gather for the first rally and day of entertainment for Miles for Men. It would become an annual event.

April 2014 - Charity officials visit the children’s ward at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton and ward four at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, to donate Easter eggs. It is yet another Miles for Men initiative which would become an annual feature.

July 2014 - 900 runners tackle the third annual Miles for Men run.

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January 2015 - A formidable line-up of darts players, World Championship-level performers, play a tournament for the charity. It’s the second year that have done so.

May 2015 - Four Hartlepool lads - Darren Everett, David Sowerby, Neil Hancock and Alan Hay - completed a 1,529-mile challenge of driving across Europe in a banger.

July 2015 - More than 30 students at Manor Community Academy in Hartlepool ran two miles to raise funds for the Miles for Men and Race for Life causes.

September 2015 - Keisha Watson, 5, who was diagnosed with leukaemia is given a day to remember. She dreamed of being a princess for a day and it came true.

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February 2016 - Miles for Men opens two rooms at Hartlepool & District Hospice in Wells Avenue in memory of Stuart Gaffney and Paul Royal.

April 2016 - Steffi Timms, 38, who had terminal cancer- and her family - were donated £1,500 including spending money to help them go to Disneyland Paris.

June 2016 - A boxing evening at the workingmens club in King Oswy Drive Hartlepool, raised more than £2,000 for the charity.

August 2016 - The fifth 5k for the charity was held - and for the first time, it was followed by the Walk for Women.