Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Neil Harding

Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year nominee – Neil Harding

A former patient from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust completed a two-week fundraising trek to Everest base camp to say thank you for his care.

Neil Harding, aged 58, was part of a six-person team that scaled the 17,598 feet to base camp to raise funds for cancer services at UHNM.

Neil, a former member of the armed forces and avid walker from Stoke-on-Trent, chose to fundraise for UHNM Charity to thank staff for their ‘fast and efficient’ care.

He said: “I’ve completed the trek to Everest base camp before and it’s a great life experience. But I think whilst you’re doing a life experience, it’s good to benefit others.

“The treatment I received at UHNM was fast and efficient. Following on from my illness the staff were very supportive and I can still contact them any time should I need to. I feel like I’m repaying some of the hard work by UHNM.

“Whilst I’m still fit and able t, I want to be able to continue raising money for charity as well as help others to achieve their goals regardless of their age or ability.

“The motto for my walking group is ‘rest is rust’ and I encourage others to just take one step further every time.

“After spending many years in the military I never thought I was going to be old or injured, but your health does deteriorate and things creep up on you. UHNM Charity is a great cause, which could benefit yourself in the future.

“It’s a pleasure to do this climb now I am able to do so and am already making plans to do it again next year.”

Neil Harding has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.