Going the extra mile for charity

Colin Scales . . . working up a sweat for the marathon

HEALTH chief Colin Scales is lacing up his trainers and hitting the road to raise money for a good cause.

The 37-year-old, who is director of commissioning at NHS Oldham, is in training for the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday which he will run aid of Christies.

He said: “I like the idea that while challenging my physical limits, I can raise money for a very worthy cause like The Christie.

“I decided to run the Edinburgh marathon because I have friends there who have run it and they’ve told me it’s a great occasion with plenty of support and very few hills.

“I’ve always considered a marathon to be the ultimate in physical achievement that’s within my reach anyway.

“The Christie is a world- class cancer centre, offering the best possible care and treatment delivered by highly-skilled experts.

“Bringing the new facility to Oldham means that local people and their families no longer have to make what can be a long and difficult journey to south Manchester for cancer treatments.”

Colin has been working up a sweat with his team mates for the past five months and can now run for 22 miles.

He has also been reading up on marathon training, eating well and cutting back on his beloved pints of beer.

He added: “I’m hoping the atmosphere and support from the crowds on the day will carry me for the last few miles when I’ll no doubt be struggling! I’m really looking forward to it and the day can’t come soon enough now.

“I get a little nervous when I think about it and will be nervous on the day no doubt, but once the gun is fired it’ll be fine. I don’t think I’ll win though!”

If you would like to sponsor Colin visit www.justgivingcom/colinscales