Newhey resident ‘The Running Manc’ has pledged to run 5km every day for a year to support two Greater Manchester-based charities.
Danny Kristof, who works as a hotel Duty Manager in Leeds and previously worked in Newhey’s own The Bank Chambers, is currently 70 days into the challenge which he began on April 1st, 2020.
He said: “In February there was a lot of social media presence around ‘be kind’ and mental health. As a mental health advocate and somebody who has suffered in the past, it really struck a chord with me.
I wanted to do something I’ve always loved doing, running, and help some incredible causes along the way. I initially wanted to book a few marathons but I wanted to do something that pushed me out of my comfort zone daily and that would stand out from the occasional race I’d take part in. That’s when I thought about running 5km every day for a year.”
Danny will be supporting two charities throughout the challenge: Team Hill Charitable Trust and Destination Florida. Team Hill Charitable Trust is an Oldham based charity, fronted by charity fundraiser/deputy headteacher/ultra marathon runner and friend of Danny’s, Steve Hill (MBE). The charity raises money by completing tough challenges, bringing communities together, and raising money for local causes and initiatives. Most recently, Team Hill Charitable Trust have reached out to communities within Uganda that need help with various efforts and challenges.
Destination Florida Children’s Charity, based in Eccles, Manchester, raise money through various fundraising efforts in order to take children with life-limiting medical conditions from the North West for a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip to Florida.
Danny, who has lost two-stone during the challenge and has seen other benefits in fitness and mental health, has plenty of other fundraising activities planned in the coming months. He commented: “I’m already thinking about the next big challenge, and ways I’m able to help other people within the North West.
During this challenge, I will be introducing different fundraising initiatives, which at the moment – I’m putting together a raffle to celebrate Day 100 of running. If anybody would like to donate a raffle prize, please get in touch! This challenge is for 365 days, and it’s hard to get people to donate, and then donate again, but with the support, and different initiatives in place, I feel like it’s possible.”
You can follow The Running Manc on his social channels: The Running Manc on Facebook, and @_TheRunningManc on Instagram.
You can donate through his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/therunningmanc.