Bingley mortgage broker Andrew Milnes has created a sponsored run with a difference. He’s running 1,000 miles to raise vital funds for local charity Cancer Support Bradford & Airedale (CSBA). He hopes to raise at least £1,000 as a result.

Andrew says: "The idea for the run came at New Year, when I was looking for a challenge, with a charitable twist."

"I wanted to remain fit, and at the same time raise some money for the valuable work done by Cancer Support. So, I thought I’d run a total of 1,000 miles across the year - that’s about 20 miles each and every week."

He adds: "1,000 miles distance is about 160 miles more than the distance between Land’s End and John O’Groats – so I’ll feel very pleased when I have accomplished it!"

"I have just passed the 700 miles mark, so there is still some way to go. I began my charity run back in the snow and ice of January, and I’m looking forward to clocking up the remaining miles."

Andrew has already gained support and pledges of cash from businesses and individuals across the district.

He says: "I am really grateful to colleagues, friends and family who have already promised their support. My target is £1,000 but I hope to smash through that. If people pledged one penny to represent each mile I run, that would make a donation of £10.00, which would be very generous. Of course, all amounts smaller or larger will also be very gratefully received."

Hayley Collis, Corporate Fundraiser, says: "Andrew’s run is a great example of being creative to help raise vital funds. Cancer Support Bradford & Airedale is a unique charity providing support to about 3,500 local cancer patients each year.

She explains that the Bradford-based registered charity offers face to face help and support with the emotional, social, welfare and psychological needs faced by cancer patients. They provide a free programme of complementary therapy support, counselling and information at their Centre before, during and after conventional medical care, and work closely with NHS and healthcare professionals.

Andrew Milnes says: "The services of Cancer Support are hugely appreciated by people across the district affected by cancer. They have a large number of dedicated volunteers, on whom they depend, but like all organisations, they also have significant costs. So they rely on fundraising and donations to continue their great work."

Donors wanting to support Andrew’s fundraising can do so on secure website www.justgiving.com/andrewmilnes1000miles where a message of support can also be written. Or, by Text Giving. Simply text CSBA01 £(amount) to 70070 (*TBC*) to make a donation.

Andrew says: "I am very hopeful that I will reach my £1,000 target, and that the money raised could be used, for example, to support the costs of 30 individual counselling sessions for local patients affected by cancer."