A 24-year-old from Radcliffe is raising funds for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity by completing his very own “Twelve Marathons of Christmas” challenge.

Kamili Bell is attempting to complete one full marathon every day for twelve consecutive days to raise vital funds for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity’s MediCinema Appeal and Salford-based charity, Foundation 92, which works to improve opportunities for young people and communities across Greater Manchester.

The MediCinema Appeal aims to build Manchester’s first-ever in-hospital cinema. Delivered in partnership with BAFTA Award-winning charity MediCinema, the project will create a fully accessible 50-seat cinema at no cost to the NHS, bringing big-screen magic to thousands of patients at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s Oxford Road Campus hospitals, including Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Manchester Royal Infirmary.

The £1.1 million appeal will fund the construction and initial running of a MediCinema, giving patients a therapeutic escape during long or frequent hospital stays. An unused lecture theatre will be transformed into a purpose-built cinema with seating for wheelchairs and hospital beds, space for medical equipment, and inclusive features such as subtitles, audio description and sensory-friendly screenings.

Up to 260 films a year will be shown, supported by MediCinema nurses and trained volunteers, with personalised screenings available for patients in sensitive circumstances.

Kamili began his challenge on Friday 12^th December at the Manchester Regional Arena’s Etihad Campus and hopes to complete his final marathon on Tuesday 23^rd December outside Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Speaking about his inspiration for undertaking the “Twelve Marathons of Christmas” challenge, Kamili said: “I love running, it has inspired me so much recently and encouraged me to stay positive even during difficult times.

“I wanted to raise money for the hospital as I have had family members who have been treated there and know how impactful the hospital’s work is in supporting patients and families.

“It made me realise how fortunate we are to have such care available, and I wanted the funds raised to support children in hospital who are facing difficult circumstances.

“For me, it feels like the least I can do to give back to the hospital and the important work that goes on there on a daily basis.”

Kamili added: “This will be my first time running a marathon, let alone twelve in a row!  I’ve been training for over a year by gradually building up with smaller runs. I like to set myself new challenges, they push me, and each one helps me grow as a person.

“The support so far has been incredibly positive. People are still donating and are amazed by the challenge, I’ve hit my fundraising target of £400 already, so am hoping to raise as much as possible for the hospital by the end of the challenge.

“Mentally, the hardest part about this challenge is getting up every day but when you put it into perspective, children in hospital face those struggles daily just to do the basics. That really keeps me going.”

Relationship Officer at Manchester Foundation Trust Charity, Georgia Withers said: “We’re so proud of Kamili for undertaking the ‘Twelve Marathons of Christmas’ challenge in support of our MediCinema Appeal.

“The MediCinema will provide moments of normality and calm for patients and their families during some of the most challenging times. We’re very grateful to everyone who has chosen to support the appeal by sponsoring Kamili.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Chair, Kathy Cowell OBE DL said: “Kamili’s dedication to running twelve marathons this Christmas is nothing short of inspirational.

The funds raised will directly support our MediCinema Appeal to create a purpose-built hospital cinema, offering patients a welcome escape from the ward and making a lasting difference to the children and adults we care for.”

To donate to Kamili’s fundraiser, visit here.