Midcheshire Independent Issue 198

NOVEMBER 2026 12 T: 0161 476 4266 4 Lines 54 King Street West, Stockport SK3 0DT R E S TA U R A N T & V E N U E For traditional cuisine from Bangladesh, India and Nepal or a unique fusion of Asian dishes. Register on-line and collect loyalty points www.lastmonsoon.co.uk A CHESHIRE NHS worker has raised nearly £500, almost double her initial target, to sup- port her local NHS hos- pitals, by completing a gruelling 22 kilometres race in the Lake Dis- trict, in the shadows of some of England’s tall- est mountains. The run, part of the ‘13 Valleys Ultra’ series, took place amid stormy condi- tions, leading the organis- ers to make adverse weather kit mandatory. Karolina Stepien-Bialy, the Medical Workforce Productivity Lead at East Cheshire NHS Trust said: “I must admit when I was stood on the start line I was blown away by two things. Firstly, the incredible gen- erosity and support of all those who sponsored me. And secondly, the incredible wind battering us all! “But carrying additional kit throughout the race only added to the challenge, and I was fully prepared thanks to my wife, Kinga, a sea- soned ultrarunner, who made sure I was properly equipped for whatever the Lake District decided to throw at me. “The Lake District is a truly spectacular place for trail running. The scenery is breathtaking, and there is something very special about running through valleys, alongside lakes and beneath towering mountains. While the ter- rain and weather tested me throughout the course, they also made crossing the finish line that much more rewarding. “Taking part was both exciting and daunting, and it pushed me well outside of my comfort zone, and to be able to do this while rais- ing money for a fantastic cause made it an unforget- table experience.” Lily Preston, Fundrais- ing and Events Manager at East Cheshire NHS Chairty, said: “Karolina really went the extra mile in completing this demanding run in support of our char- ity, especially in such chal- lenging weather conditions. “We’re so grateful to her for her commitment and determination, and for the generosity of all those wonderful people who spon- sored her.” The East Cheshire NHS Charity raises money to support the health and wellbeing on patients, col- leagues and visitors across hospitals in Knutsford, Con- gleton and Macclesfield in East Cheshire. A WOMAN who has dedicated more than a decade to trans- forming the lives of young amputee footballers through a programme at Reaseheath College in Nantwich has received a prestigious Pride of BritainAward. Elaine Oakey, Head of Juniors at England Amputee Football Association (EAFA), was taken by surprise when presented with the “Inspiration Award” by comedian and TV presenter Jason Manford at a college training camp. Elaine runs regular junior amputee football camps at Reaseheath College, the offi- cial home and main training venue for theEnglandAmputee Football Association. Her work has helped trans- formthelivesofyoungamputees by giving them a chance to play football, develop skills, build confidence and friendships, and go on to represent England on the international stage. Elaine’s journey began with her son Jamie, who was born missing his lower right leg and wanted to play the sport he loved. When Jamie was five, he was told he could not play football matches because of his pros- thetic leg. But Elaine, originally from Blackpool, lobbied the England Amputee Football Association to establish a dedicated jun- ior programme. More than a decade later, she continues to coach, mentor and organise regular weekend camps for young amputees, helping children who may once have thought football was beyond their reach. Jamie has since gone on to play for Everton and England. Elaine’s commitment extends beyond the football pitch as she also cooks and delivers Sunday roasts to around 30 vulnerable local people everyweek. The Pride of Britain Awards celebrated Elaine’s contribution with a heart-warming surprise from the young footballers she has supported forming part of the emotional presentation alongside JasonManford. Elaine and son Jamie with Jason Manford (Image: Supplied) Karolina Stepien-Bialy (Image: Supplied) Amputee football pioneer wins Pride of Britain NHS worker runs through a storm