Rochdale cyclist raises funds for children’s hospital - while delivering laptops to elderly

The total amount raised was £250, with Neil presenting the cheque to the hospital on 5 December.

A fundraising effort for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital by a Rochdale Boroughwide Housing colleague has also seen laptops delivered to elderly people across the borough, helping them get online.

Neil Critchlow, infrastructure and platforms manager at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, has been dropping off refurbished laptops at 31 of the housing provider’s independent living schemes.

He made all the drops by bicycle, clocking up a total of 126 miles along the way, and was sponsored for his efforts by colleagues at RBH.

Neil chose to raise money for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH) - part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s family of hospitals - where his teenage daughter has been treated since she was a baby. The total amount raised was £250, with Neil presenting the cheque to the hospital on 5 December.

Meanwhile, residents in the independent living schemes are already using their new laptops, helping them stay in touch with friends and family.

They say the laptops have proved invaluable, helping them to make shopping orders, have live video calls and even, in one case, live streaming the funeral of one ILS resident for those who couldn’t attend. Another two residents were able to watch their granddaughter graduate on the laptop which they would have missed otherwise.

Neil said: “Our daughter Louise Critchlow was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 14 months old. For the last 12 years she has received amazing support from Manchester Children's Hospital with her arthritis, which without treatment affects every joint, meaning she is unable to walk without support.

“My family are so grateful for the support we receive from the hospital and always look for ways to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

“In the past we have done swimming, cycling, lantern walks, donated from our business and even gave up sending Christmas cards to family and friends making a donation to the charity instead.

“I’m really pleased to have been able to raise more money for the hospital while also helping our RBH customers.”

Michelle White, relationship manager at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity said: “We are delighted to have the support of Neil and the team at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing. Neil’s continued support is very much appreciated and it is wonderful to hear about the impact the refurbished laptops have had.”

You can still support Neil in raising money for his chosen charity through his JustGiving page here