A MIDWIFE is rollerblading from Warrington Hospital to Halton Hospital in order to raise funds to refurbish the trust's maternity unit.

Cary Hammond, maternity-led unit manager at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will skate the 18km between the two sites in September.

The keen rollerblader is hoping to raise £1,000, with a campaign having been launched in order to give Warrington Hospital's maternity and neonatal units a makeover.

She said: "As a midwife I am really passionate about making the stay in hospital for women and their families as welcoming, comfortable and homely as possible.

"I also love roller skating and do that in my spare time to keep fit and de-stress, so I've decided to combine the two to raise funds."

Warrington and Halton Hospitals' Charity is hoping to raise £15,000 for the refurbishment of the wards.

Other staff taking part in fundraising activities include a team of student midwives who are cycling 60km from Manchester to Blackpool.

Meanwhile, maternity staff member Louise Peacock will complete a half marathon for the unit while interim matron for maternity inpatient services in women's health Sheila Murphy is organising a Tour de Maternity bike ride challenge.

Helen Higginson, charity fundraising manager at Warrington and Halton Hospital's Charity, said: "We are hoping to raise an ambitious £15,000 through fundraising which will help to completely revamp the reception and waiting areas to create a colourful, welcoming and relaxing environment for expectant mums and their families.

"The overwhelming response we have already received is fabulous.

"I am hoping, with the public's support as well, it will not take too long to achieve this amazing vision."

For more information or to donate click here.