1 Jul 2022 Community

The Spiced Mango puts its best foot forward for The Kirkwood

Kind-hearted local man, Al Helal, who works at The Spiced Mango in Middlestown, is once again planning his (almost annual) five mile fundraising walk this Summer.

Al Helal hasn't been able to organise his annual fundraising event for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, with restrictions now lifted across the UK, Al has got back to work and is busy making plans for this year’s charity walk for The Kirkwood.

The 55 year old has raised thousands for The Kirkwood over the past few years and is hoping that his efforts help to bring in another bumper total in 2022.

Having organised the walk since 2013, Al loves to see the local community in Middlestown coming together to get involved with his event and raising hundreds of pounds for a good cause.

He said: "I see how important The Kirkwood is to our community and all I want to do is help and do my bit. I have run the event since 2013 and raised a good amount of money each time. I hope this year we can raise even more funds for what is a fantastic charity.

"I enjoy doing the walk every year because I get to see so many people in our local area. Around 100 people have taken part every year.

"The Spiced Mango where I work has been superb. Every single year they have supplied the venue to start the walk from and have also put on a buffet for all the walkers at the end."

Al knows all about the kind of support The Kirkwood can provide. Al's parents both died of cancer, but didn't receive palliative care. As a result, Al is eager to make people aware about The Kirkwood and the many ways they can help people in Kirklees affected by any life limiting illness.

He said: "I choose to organise the walk to benefit our community as much as possible. I know what people go through when they are approaching the end of life, as I went through it with my parents.

“The walk is all about making people aware of the services available from The Kirkwood, as well as having a good time and raising lots of money."

Community fundraiser Julia Owen said: "Once again, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Al and the Spiced Mango for helping us Support Life. The walk really does bring local people together and it’s always a really fun day out. With Al organising his event for the Summer, we are all hoping he has some cracking weather on the day."

If you want to sign up for this fundraising event, please visit the Spiced Mango restaurant.