A group of staff from Macclesfield District General Hospital will be taking to the streets of Macclesfield dressed as trees next month, to raise funds to help renovate a much-needed garden space for dementia patients at the hospital, through East Cheshire NHS Charity.

Staff from East Cheshire NHS Trust's Finance department will be wearing nature themed fancy dress as they take on the 10k at this year's Macclesfield Running Festival.

The costumes will also display over 100 'forget me not flowers' which have been knitted by friends and family and represent remembrance and is long associated with dementia.

Senior Finance Manager for East Cheshire NHS Trust, Bek Jolley, will be one of the team of six taking part, and said: "As we are running to raise money for the dementia garden on Ward 9, we thought garden themed fancy dress would be appropriate and so we are dressing as trees.

Macclesfield Hospital, of Victoria Road. (Image - Macclesfoeld Nub News)

"Funds raised will help with the development of the dementia friendly garden which will provide a therapeutic space and safe social environment for patients."

Over £3000 was raised by runners for East Cheshire NHS Charity at last year's event which offers distances of 5k, 10k and a half marathon. 

Lily Preston, Fundraising and Events Manager for East Cheshire NHS Charity, added: "We are so grateful for the efforts of staff taking part and supporting such a fantastic cause.

"Good luck to all of our runners, there is still time to sign up, grab your free place, achieve a personal best and support your local NHS."

The charity are the official partners of the event for the second year running as runners pass through the historic sights of Macclesfield into the scenic countryside of East Cheshire, before reaching the finishing line at Macclesfield Leisure Centre.

To register a FREE place at this year's event and to find out more information visit THIS LINK or email [email protected].