Massive milestone beckons for Hartlepool' Miles for Men charity - and it's all down to the amazing people of the town

A Hartlepool charity is closing in on an amazing milestone just eight years after it was formed.
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Miles for Men has donated almost £455,000 to causes since 2012.

It has helped people affected by cancer to have their wedding dreams come true. It has helped children to enjoy special days out and adults to have much-needed support when they have needed it the most.

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But a special milestone is on the horizon and the charity’s founder Micky Day is sure the target of £500,000 donated to those most in need will be reached in 2021.

Miles for Men founder Micky Day at the launch of the first ever race in 2012.Miles for Men founder Micky Day at the launch of the first ever race in 2012.
Miles for Men founder Micky Day at the launch of the first ever race in 2012.

"It is extraordinary,” he said. “It is always amazing how the town of Hartlepool pulls together. The people of this town get behind so many things and when the going gets tough, they always get going.

"We could not do what we do without them.”

Covid-19 has not stopped Miles for Men from doing sterling work in the community.

"We have donated nearly £75,000 during the pandemic,” said Micky. “It is the support of the public which has meant we can carry on.”

The start of the 2012 race.The start of the 2012 race.
The start of the 2012 race.
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The Miles for Men story started in 2012 when Micky founded the 5k run in memory of his father Michael Day senior, who died aged 68 after a one-year battle with throat cancer.

Micky said: “We hoped we would raise £5,000 for Cancer Research and never thought it would turn into this.”

That first run attracted 1,000 runners and raised more than £40,000. There has been no stopping the town charity ever since.

Last year's Miles for Men run.Last year's Miles for Men run.
Last year's Miles for Men run.
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During 2020, it also launched a new branch of the cause called Minds For Men and Wellness For Women.

Micky told of the Miles for Men hopes which includes bringing back the annual 5k race which is one of its biggest fundraisers each year.

"We will be doing the run and we may bring it in early,” he said.

Micky Day at last year's run.Micky Day at last year's run.
Micky Day at last year's run.
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Other new attractions for 2021 could include a Miles for Men-organised soap box derby and possibly a live music festival once the pandemic is safely passed.

Micky’s hopes are to hold a festival ‘so that everyone can have a good time and companies which have been hit hard by the pandemic can take a stall out.

"We shall try to keep it all as local as we can, perhaps have a barbecue style event and bring the people of Hartlepool together.”

Another Miles for Men plan for 2021 is to hold a two-leg fundraising football match with Sunderland-based charity Amber’s Law.

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On top of all that, Miles for Men, Amber’s Law and another charity called the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust are planning to hold a fundraising event where representatives of each take part in cycling, climbing, running, swimming and walking.

"We are three great charities and Miles for Men wants to spread our wings and raise more awareness.”

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