A STAFF member with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has pledged to run 1,000 miles this year to mark a milestone and raise funds.

Helen Halliwell is taking on the challenge to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS and coin-in cash for the community services team she works for.

"I gave-up smoking last year and to help ensure I stayed off the cigarettes I entered a half marathon in Blackpool," she said.

"But my running tailed off as the year went on so I thought I'd set myself a challenge for the whole of 2018.

"I've got an app on my phone that logs all my runs. I have a daily target of just short of three miles, and I've totalled over 100 already.

"I often run three miles during my lunchtime. It only takes half an hour, but it's such a release and relieves all your stresses.

"It's great to combine what I enjoy with a bit of fundraising for the team."

Helen is a community service delivery team co-ordinator.

Team members provide care in people's own homes to, where possible, prevent hospital admissions.

And they work to ensure patients who are in hospital have the support needed on their discharge.

Helen added: "I often hear patients say how fantastic the team is and how much of a difference it has made to their family members.

"I'd like to raise money for equipment, which then helps the patients."

Helen has an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/helen-halliwell2, where she is posting monthly mileage updates and people can donate.