Taking on the tower for The Christie

A local historian from Bolton is taking on a sky-high challenge to raise money for The Christie.

Susan Richardson, aged 74, started supporting The Christie after her husband Neil was treated for a rare form of sinus cancer in 2006. Sadly Neil passed away, but Susan has continued to raise money for the cause ever since  - mainly through poetry events and selling local history books and donating the proceeds. Susan and Neil previously ran a publishing company together, specialising in local history books.

But last year Susan, who lives in Ringley, decided to take on a higher challenge and signed herself up for The Christie Tower Run -  where our fundraisers are challenged to run or walk up one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, the Beetham Tower.

And Susan enjoyed it so much, she’s signed herself up again this year. She said: “I want to support The Christie because my late husband was treated there and although they couldn’t save him, they were wonderful with us. That was in 2006 and I’m still grateful all these years later.
“At my age, it’s a ’tower walk’, not a tower run, but I was quite pleased to make it to the top last year. I did a lot of walking in lockdown, which helped me get fitter and I practised beforehand walking up lots of hills. It was a great day out  - very hard work, but I did it eventually and I met lots of inspiring people so I‘d encourage anyone to have a go.”

The Christie Tower Run 2023 will take place on Sunday 12 March 2023. The thigh-burning dash to the top takes in an incredible 798 steps and 171 meters. After this, you’ll be invited to the Cloud 23 bar where you will be rewarded with a celebratory drink and spectacular views of our wonderful city. 

The £15 registration fee includes a sportswear t-shirt or vest, timing chip, finisher’s medal and drink to celebrate your efforts. 

Christie sporting events officer, Joshua Hughff, said: “We’d like to wish Susan the very best for her second tower run – at the age of 74, it’s quite an achievement to complete it 2 years running. We’ll look forward to seeing her at the top.”

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families. 

For more information about the event, visit The Christie Tower Run page.