Macclesfield man treks 100,000 steps in a day in memory of mum
By Alex Greensmith
3rd Aug 2023 | Local News
A Macclesfield man and his pal have walked 100,000 steps in a day, in memory of a late Macclesfield mum.
Ross Patterson and his friend Connor Bradbury have just traversed the country of Cyprus, to raise funds for a Macclesfield charity and honour Ross' mother.
They will hope to raise hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, for Space4Autism. They began the challenge on August 2, and will end on August 3.
This is because Ross' mum Angie Patterson, who passed away in 2020, was a devoted volunteer at the Macclesfield good cause.
She had volunteered at Space4Autism since it was founded, helping out and raising funds for over 15 years.
Ross told Macclesfield Nub News about his epic fundraising and athletic feat:
"I grew up in Macclesfield, lived there my whole life, a lot of my family live there too.
"My Mum was from Macclesfield too, she worked in Puss Bank Primary School as a teaching assistant, primarily with children who have special needs.
"It was something she was hugely passionate about.
"My Mum also was a big part of Space4Autism, she volunteered as and when she could, she was so passionate about helping people and special needs was her forte.
"As S4A was important to my mum, it's important to me. I know the work that goes into these organisations and it should definitely be recognised more. As my Mum felt so highly about S4A that's why I wanted to do this for her."
To give an idea about the scale of their challenge, according to the NHS, the average Brit walks between 3,000 and 4,000 steps a day.
This pales in comparison to the 100,000 both the lads are doing for Space4Autism.
"Me and Connor are both part of the Army," added Ross.
"We serve in the Duke of Lancaster regiment.
"Whilst we are based here in Cyprus [and could have done the challenge during any time of year], we thought why not up the stakes in this challenge and add the factor of 35-40 degree heat.
"We are both members of the British Army so we do require to be athletic, we go on exercises on the regular, but to this extent in this heat - it's very different."
The 24 hour walk came to an end on the evening August 2, but before they even began, the boys had already smashed their original fundraising goal.
The total for the fundraiser currently stands at £730, well over three times above their original £200 goal.
"We are over the moon," Ross revealed.
"We appreciate that cost of living is hitting people too, and the fact that so many people have happily donated is great.
"We honestly can't thank people enough, S4A deserves every single penny they get.
"We just want to add how grateful we are for everyone and we also hope that this gives S4A the recognition that they deserve."
Macclesfield: You can donate to the fundraiser on this link.
86% of the money it takes to run Space4Autism is from members of the public, who do fundraisers just like this one.
Space4Autism Founder Cheryl Simpson said: "We cannot thank Ross and Connor enough for taking on this huge challenge for Space4Autism."
"Angie was a huge supporter of S4A and would have been so very proud and all monies raised will go towards our social clubs as I know that would have been Angie's wish."
Once again, you can donate on this link.
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