A KEEN runner is celebrating after he and two pals raised more than £1,000 for a cause close to his heart.

Matt Grice, aged 37, of Valley Mill Lane, Parkhills, took part in the Great North Run half marathon in September with friends Gordon Hamilton, aged 38, of Bolton Road, Ramsbottom, and Darren Varden, aged 48, of Birtle.

And this week they announced a final total of £1,060.

The money will go to Prestwich-based charity MedEquip4kids, which is aiming to raise £558,000 to buy equipment for the new children’s A&E department that is set to open at Fairfield Hospital in April.

Mr Grice, a personal trainer at the 121FIT gym in Bury, is well aware of the need for the facility, as his partner, Jade Taylor, gave birth to their daughter, Anais there, seven years ago.

He said: “It is nerve-wracking for any family when a baby is on the way. It was even harder for us as there were complications.

“Seven years on, Anais is a lovely, healthy little girl and this challenge was my way of giving something back to the hospital.”

Gordon said: “The support I had from friends, family and complete strangers during the run inspired me to cross the finish line, so the sponsorship money could be used to good effect.”

Darren said: “Matt and I trained together and made a commitment to cross the finishing line together.

“The feeling of that day will stay with me forever as it was great to see so many other runners and supporters braving the harsh cold weather to both take part and support the event.”