Andy Burnham joins the Chapman Barker Unit at the Great Manchester Run!
Congratulations to our colleagues from our Chapman Barker Unit (CBU), who completed AJ Bell Great Manchester Run on Sunday 31 May 2026, alongside the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, to raise funds for new gym equipment for patients at CBU.
The fundraiser was planned during Andy Burnham's visit to the service in August 2025, where the Mayor officially reopened the newly refurbished unit, as well as meeting staff and service users to discuss the vital service the CBU offers to communities across Greater Manchester any beyond.
During the tour, it was identified that new gym facilities were in the pipeline but required additional funding before this phase could be delivered, which sparked the idea between Janella Anderson, Ward Manager, and the Mayor to take part in this years event.
Thanks to their efforts, service users at the CBU will soon have access to new exercise and fitness equipment that will make a real difference to their mental and physical recovery during treatment, as physical health, routine, confidence and wellbeing all play a vital role in helping people rebuild their lives.
After the race, Adam Clayton, Service manager at the Chapman Barker Unit said:
“This fundraiser is about something that really matters to us as a service. At CBU, we support people through highly complex inpatient detoxification, but recovery goes far beyond the medical aspects of treatment. Physical health, routine, confidence and overall wellbeing are all critical to helping people rebuild their lives. Access to well-equipped gym facilities will allow us to strengthen our holistic offer—providing patients with safe, structured opportunities to improve both their physical and mental health during their stay.
The impact of this investment will be tangible for our patients. It will support engagement, improve wellbeing, and help individuals begin to establish the positive routines that are so important for sustained recovery beyond discharge.
I want to personally thank everyone who has supported the team—whether through donations, encouragement on the day, or sharing the fundraiser. The generosity shown so far will make a real difference to the care and experience of people using our service, and I know the team are incredibly grateful.”
The team have raised over £1,500 so far, with donations open until Sunday 14 June. (Click here to see the team's progress)
Well done to everyone involved!
