64 year old, ex-sergeant major Michael Chin-Chan of Girlington has been crowned as The Broadway’s first local hero. The Centre announced last month it was launching a campaign to celebrate the region’s unsung heroes with a winner each month scooping a £250 shopping voucher.
Nominated by his daughter, Aisha Chin-Chan, Michael was awarded for inspirational Facebook Live sessions that he conducts weekly for the ex-military community to support the effects of PTSD and his mighty fundraising efforts which saw him run 5km everyday during Ramadan in 2020.
Every Friday morning, Michael conducts a Facebook Live event to his following of over 1000 friends, acquaintances and colleagues that he met during his time serving in the Duke of Wellington Regiment. Michael speaks of the effects of PTSD and provides advice and support for those who require it in Bradford and across the country.
Michael raised £1,600 for the NHS Charities in 2020 by clocking up an impressive 150 kilometres in 30 days by running around Manningham’s Lister Park and doing 25 press ups per day. Michael was inspired to use his physical abilities by the late Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising and coupled with the fact they both served in the same Duke of Wellington Regiment at different times.
Michael commented: “I served the army for 22 years and I wanted to use the physical ability I’ve maintained to raise valuable funds for the NHS. I’m embarking on my next challenge in April which is to run from Bradford City centre to my old military base in Halifax. It is more than 10 miles away and I’ll be doing it with my veteran friend, Eddie Towler. We’re hoping to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.
“I’m delighted to have won this award. The recognition is humbling and I hope I can inspire people of all ages to move their bodies more. I’m receiving another award soon that was delayed by the pandemic – the Queen put me on her Birthday Honours List in 2020!”
Ian Ward, general manager at The Broadway, said: “Michael is an inspirational member of the local community. Running five kilometres each day takes a lot of determination and hardwork. The time and dedication he puts into conducting Facebook Live sessions for ex-military servicemen and women is truly heroic; he is helping countless people nationwide.
“We’ve heard about so many unsung heroes that are worthy of awards this month and will be crowning another winner at the end of March. We’re urging people in the region to let us know about acts of nobility in our community so we can celebrate them as a Broadway Bradford Hero.”
People can nominate their local hero via an online submission form www.broadwaybradford.com/nominate-your-local-hero
The winner will be announced at the end of each month.
Michael is fundraising for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in April.
